Mechanically Robust Antibacterial Nanopapers Through Mixed Dimensional Assembly for Anionic Dye Removal

Abstract

There is a piqued interest in development of biobased sorbents for water treatment. Here in we reported, the fabrication of mechanically strong nanopapers by mixed dimensional assembly of 1D Cellulose nanofibers and 2D amino functionalized graphene oxide for water treatment. The fabricated amino functionalized GO/ cellulose nanofiber (AMGO-CNF) nanopaper showed superior antibacterial resistance towards Escherichia coli MTCC 1610 and Klebsiella due to the enhanced surface roughness which was confirmed from SEM and AFM studies. The amino group present in the AMGO enhanced the adsorption efficiency of the nanopaper towards methyl orange dye. The fabricated nanopaper showed an adsorption of 11.05 mg/gm 30 mg/L concentration at pH 2. Maximum adsorption was observed at pH 2 which was due to protonation of amine group. Moreover, the fabricated membrane showed excellent hydrolytic stability which can be corroborated to the surface roughness and reduced hydrophilicity. The investigation into the surface chemistries of cellulose nanofibers beyond the adoption of toxic solvents can enhance the economic usefulness of the process and yield a new eco-friendly adsorbent material that is agreeable to adsorbing various toxic pollutants.