Cellulose-Based Materials for Water Purification

Cellulose is a linear syndiotactic homopolymer, made up of glucose units designated as D-anhydroglucopyranose units (AGU). The glucose units are connected with each other by b-(l-4)-glycosidic linkage to form a dimeric structure known as cellobiose. These units are assembled into microfibils in a heirarchial manner with excellent strength and stiffness. The properties of cellulose can be further enhanced by either surface functionalization or by converting it to nano form. Nanocellulosic materials are non-toxic, biodegradable, biocompatible and exhibit enhanced surface properties so widely used for purification of water through adsorption process. This review outlined the most recent updates of uses of cellulose and cellulose derived nano material, composite and nanocomposite as a new class of adsorbents for water remediation.