Functional cellulose aerogel nanocomposites with enhanced adsorption capability and excellent photocatalytic performance

A novel functional cellulose carbon aerogel@Na2Ti3O7@Cu2O (CA@Na2Ti3O7@Cu2O) nanocomposite was prepared by in situ growth technique and impregnation method, and its photocatalytic and adsorption properties were explored. The cationic intercalation structure of Na2Ti3O7 nanosheets gives CA@Na2Ti3O7@Cu2O nanocomposites excellent adsorption capacity of heavy metal ions (31.0-118.7 mg/g). The Cu2O nanoparticles in CA@Na2Ti3O7@Cu2O nanocomposite showed excellent photocatalytic activity, and the removal rate of methylene blue (MB) was up to 99 %. Furthermore, the CA@Na2Ti3O7@Cu2O nanocomposites could be easily regenerated and reused, providing a new way to effectively solve the problem of wastewater treatment containing heavy metal ions and organic dyes.

Automated summary

A novel cellulose carbon aerogel@Na2Ti3O7@Cu2O (CA@Na2Ti3O7@Cu2O) nanocomposite was prepared and demonstrated excellent adsorption capacity for heavy metal ions and photocatalytic activity for methylene blue (MB) removal. The cationic intercalation structure of Na2Ti3O7 nanosheets contributed to the high adsorption capacity, while the Cu2O nanoparticles exhibited outstanding photocatalytic activity with a removal rate of up to 99%. Moreover, the CA@Na2Ti3O7@Cu2O nanocomposites could be easily regenerated and reused, providing a new solution for wastewater treatment.