Membrane technology remains the most energy‐efficient process for removing contaminants (micrometer‐size particles to angstrom‐size hydrated ions) from water. However, the current membrane technology, involving relatively expensive synthetic materials, is often nonsustainable for the poorest communities in the society. In this article, perspectives are provided on the emerging nanocellulose‐enabled membrane technology based on nanoscale cellulose fibers that can be extracted from almost any biomass. It is conceivable that nanocellulose membranes developed from inexpensive, abundant, and sustainable resources (such as agriculture residues and underutilized biomass waste) can lower the cost of membrane separation, as these membranes offer the ability to remove a range of pollutants in one step, via size exclusion and/or adsorption. The nanocellulose‐enabled membrane technology not only may be suitable for tackling global drinking water challenges, but it can also provide a new low‐cost platform for various pressure‐driven filtration techniques, such as microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis. Some relevant parameters that can control the filtration performance of nanocellulose‐enabled membranes are comprehensively discussed. A short review of the current state of development for nanocellulose membranes is also provided.
Man‐made continuous fibers play an essential role in society today. With the increase in global sustainability challenges, there is a broad spectrum of societal needs where the development of advanced biobased fibers could provide means to address the challenges. Biobased regenerated fibers, produced from dissolved cellulose are widely used today for clothes, upholstery, and linens. With new developments in the area of advanced biobased fibers, it would be possible to compete with high‐performance synthetic fibers such as glass fibers and carbon fibers as well as to provide unique functionalities. One possible development is to fabricate fibers by spinning filaments from nanocellulose, Nature's nanoscale high‐performance building block, which will require detailed insights into nanoscale assembly mechanisms during spinning, as well as knowledge regarding possible functionalization. If successful, this could result in a new class of man‐made biobased fibers. This work aims to identify the progress made in the field of spinning of nanocellulose filaments, as well as outline necessary steps for efficient fabrication of such nanocellulose‐based filaments with controlled and predictable properties.
more » « less- Award ID(s):
- 1808690
- NSF-PAR ID:
- 10449581
- Publisher / Repository:
- Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Advanced Materials
- Volume:
- 33
- Issue:
- 28
- ISSN:
- 0935-9648
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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