Abstract
With the worsening of the oil-product pollution problem, oil–water separation has attracted increased attention in recent years. In this study, a porous three-dimensional (3D) carbon aerogel based on cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized by a facile and green approach. The resulting CNF/PVA/GO aerogels were synthesized through an environmentally friendly freeze-drying process and then carbonized to yield CNF/PVA/GO carbon aerogels with low density (18.41 mg cm−3), high porosity (98.98%), a water contact angle of 156° (super-hydrophobic) and high oil absorption capacity (97 times its own weight). The carbonization treatment of the CNF/PVA/GO aerogel not only improved the hydrophobic properties but also enhanced the adsorption capacity and specific surface area. Given the many good performance characteristics and the facile preparation process of carbon aerogels, these materials are viable candidates for use in oil–water separation and environmental protection.
Highlights
In recent years, oil spills and oily industrial wastewater have attracted worldwide attention and have threatened the survival of human beings
We report a cellulose nanofibers (CNFs)-based aerogel (CNFs/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/graphene oxide (GO) aerogel) composed of a CNF skeleton combined with PVA and GO, which could conquer these drawbacks
We present a facile process for preparing carbon aerogels exhibiting super-hydrophobicity for oil–water separation
Summary
Oil spills and oily industrial wastewater have attracted worldwide attention and have threatened the survival of human beings. The CNF/PVA/GO aerogels show outstanding thermal and mechanical properties and exhibit some drawbacks such as poor hydrophobic properties and low oil absorption capacity. The super-hydrophobic CNF/PVA/GO carbon aerogel was fabricated by a carbonization treatment in a tubular furnace.
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