Synthesis of β-Cyclodextrin-Modified Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNCs)@Fe3O4@SiO2 Superparamagnetic Nanorods

This paper reports on the synthesis of beta-cyclodextrin-modified CNC@Fe3O4@SiO2 superparamagnetic nanorods for the removal of two model compounds: procaine hydrochloride and imipramine hydrochloride. During the synthetic process, sustainable natural materials and low-cost chemicals were used, and mild reaction conditions were adopted. TEM and SEM images indicated good dispersion of Fe3O4 nanoparticles with uniform silica coating on CNCs. The thickness of the silica coating was controlled by manipulating the amounts of precursor solution used. TGA data confirmed that the silica coating significantly enhanced the thermal stability of CNCs. The onset decomposition temperature of CNC@Fe3O4@SiO2 hybrids increased by 60 degrees C compared to pure CNCs. XRD, EDS, and FT-IR analyses confirmed the structure of CNC@Fe3O4@SiO2 and the successful grafting of beta-cyclodextrin. The CNC@Fe3O4@SiO2@beta-CD hybrids displayed good adsorption toward the model pharmaceutical residues: procaine hydrochloride and imipramine hydrochloride.