Sustainable synthesis and characterization of novel polymeric biohydrogel/sargassum-derived nanocellulose composites for the removal of emerging contaminants

This research explores synthesizing and characterizing a composite material using a natural deep eutectic solvent of poly-(itaconic acid), crosslinked with nanocellulose sourced from Sargassum species along the Quintana Roo coastline, Mexico. This material possesses three desirable features: Eco-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and outstanding water retention properties. Studies have revealed that polymers synthesized with eutectic solvents exhibit superior nucleation and polymerization processes compared to traditional media. The composites were subjected to characterization by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), and mechanical testing. These analyses elucidate the chemical structure, thermal behavior, and mechanical properties of the composite, making clear its potential applications. The combination of these properties positions the composite material as an efficient removal system for water’s emerging contaminants, particularly ciprofloxacin, glyphosate, and triton X-100, where remotion maximum capacities were over 20, 40, and 10 mg/g, respectively, and their removal efficiency was acceptable up to 50 mg/L.