Construction of aerogels based on nanocrystalline cellulose and chitosan for high efficient oil/water separation and water disinfection

The aim of this study was to develop novel aerogels based on nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC), and chitosan (CS) for oily wastewater treatment. The quaternarized N-halamine siloxane monomer (QHS) was successfully synthesized and hydrolyzed to form quaternarized N-halamine siloxane polymer (PQHS) in the mixture of NCC and CS solution to improve the antibacterial properties of aerogels. The strong hydrophilicity of natural polymers NCC and CS and the microporous structure of aerogel endow the underwater oleophobic property. The applications of the aerogels as filter materials for oil/water separation are studied, and showed high separation efficiency of different types of oil/water mixtures. The presence of N-halamine structures in PQHS makes the aerogels effectively kill bacteria in oily sewage and inhibit the growth of bacteria on the surface of the materials. The properties of exceptional reusability, oil/water separation efficiency, and antibacterial efficacies render the aerogels as promising materials with potential applications in oily wastewater treatment.