Renewable and robust biomass carbon aerogel derived from deep eutectic solvents modified cellulose nanofiber under a low carbonization temperature for oil-water separation

Abstract

Carbon aerogels are potential materials in oil/water separation. However, the key challenges of the scare/toxic precursor, metals employment, unsatisfied reuse, and high calcination temperature still remain. Here, we fabricated a novel, robust and hydrophobic carbon aerogel (DCCA-350) derived from deep eutectic solvents (DESs, formed by glucose and choline chloride) modified cellulose nanofiber (CNF) under low carbonization temperature of 350 °C. The raw materials are renewable and abundant, and the as-prepared carbon aerogel possesses the high volume absorption capability for organic pollutants and oils range from 74% to 95%. Due to its excellent thermostability and mechanical properties, methods of combustion and distillation can be applied for the recycling of the DCCA-350 carbon aerogel up to 100 cycles. The effective oils/water separation is mainly attributed to the presence of roughness surface and reduced hydrophilic groups in the carbon aerogel. This is also the first development of carbon aerogel derived from DESs modified CNF, with a promising application on oil/water separation.