Valorizing Cellulosic Biomass Waste into Valuable Nano-biosorbents

The surging global population and industrial expansion have ushered in the introduction of detrimental heavy metals and organic contaminants into the ecosystem. Adsorption-centric methodologies have emerged as a prevalent means of expunging pollutants from diverse sources, underpinned by their inherent simplicity, cost-efficiency, and wide applicability. Cellulose, an innate polysaccharide, encompasses a suite of advantageous attributes, possessing enhanced surface area, mechanical robustness, and the capacity for functionalization with moieties like carboxyl, amino, and sulfur groups. Driven by its versatility, eco-friendliness, widespread availability, and diverse applications, nanocellulose has generated significant interest from both scientific and industrial communities. This chapter delves into recent strides in producing and deploying nanocellulose from waste biomass and its utilization as biosorbent in waste water treatment. Distinct preparation techniques for NC-based composites, either cellulose nanocrystals or cellulose nanofibrils, produce materials with unique structures and properties that have been extensively explored in environmental remediation. Within this discourse, an all-encompassing exploration of different nanocellulose composites intertwines with the latest strides in environmental applications for waste water treatment. This comprehensive narrative underscores recent advancements and prognosticates the potential ecological dividends stemming from NC-based composites.