Adsorbent sponges from TEMPO-oxidized cellulose cross-linked with branched-PEI for water remediation

A new class of cellular solids with macro and micro porosity have been synthesized by the combination of cellulose nanofibers from TEMPO-NaClO mediated oxidation (TOCNF) [1] and branched polyethyleneimine, via formation of amide-bonds (TOCNF-bPEI copolymer). The sponge-like materials obtained in this way have chelating amino groups as basic sites in the nano-porous structure, showing high performances in removing heavy metal ions and phenolic pollutants from contaminated water.