Epoxy–Acrylate Functionalized Cellulose Aerogels: Physisorption-Driven Surface Engineering for Enhanced Dye Adsorption in Water Treatment Applications

Closed

Hendro Sat Setijo Tomo, Mutya Parahita Mahanani, Fathya Putri Fajriani, Nurul Jamilah, Heru Santoso, Dody Andi Winarto, Chandra Liza, Asep Riswoko

2026 Water Environment Research Vol. 98 Issue 6 Article Cited by 0 SDG 6SDG 17 Quartile

Abstract

This study introduces a novel interface engineering strategy for high-performance cellulose/poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) aerogels derived from coir fiber waste. To address structural fragility, postsynthesis reinforcement was achieved through conformal liquid epoxy–acrylate infiltration. Quantitative Barrett–Joyner–Halenda (BJH) analysis confirmed the existence of a pore-wall thickening mechanism that preserved the internal mesoporous network (radius: 1.9–2.6 nm) without interstitial blockage. The functionalized scaffold demonstrated significant thermal stabilization, with the maximum degradation temperature (Tmax) shifting from 283°C to 307°C, coupled with superior mechanical resilience and a bulk density of 0.051 g/cm3. Methylene blue (MB) adsorption tests achieved 97.3% removal at pH 10, accurately modeled by pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Freundlich isotherm (R2 = 0.980, RMSE = 1.507, and Χ2 = 0.884), indicating spontaneous and endothermic multilayer physisorption. Furthermore, regeneration studies established 70% capacity retention over three cycles while maintaining full macroscopic integrity. These findings indicate that strategic resin infiltration provides a robust and sustainable pathway for the development of durable adsorbents for industrial wastewater remediation. © 2026 Water Environment Federation.

Affiliations

Research Center for Polymer Technology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), KST, South Tangerang, Indonesia; Department of Chemistry, State University of Jakarta (UNJ), Jakarta, Indonesia; Directorate of Research and Innovation Partnerships, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jakarta, Indonesia

Research at a Glance

Premium content — register to unlock

Research at a Glance

Register to unlock

Topics & SDG Alignment

Premium content — register to unlock

Topics & SDG Alignment

Register to unlock

Collaboration

Premium content — register to unlock

Collaboration

Register to unlock

Author Profile (Selected)

Premium content — register to unlock

Author Profile (Selected)

Register to unlock

References Overview

Premium content — register to unlock

References Overview

Register to unlock

Journal & Source

Premium content — register to unlock

Journal & Source

Register to unlock

Metadata & Integrity

Premium content — register to unlock

Metadata & Integrity

Register to unlock