Cellulose nanofibers membranes decorated with silver nanoparticles for plasmon-enhanced reactions

This study presents the development and characterization of multifunctional cellulose nanofiber (CNF) membranes embedded with in situ-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for the efficient removal of organic pollutants from water. These membranes integrate the mechanical robustness, high surface area, and adsorption capability of nanocellulose with the unique plasmonic properties of AgNPs. The incorporation of silver nanoparticles enhances the photocatalytic performance of the membranes, particularly under blue light irradiation, leading to the accelerated degradation of various contaminants, including dyes and pharmaceutical residues such as antibiotics.

To evaluate the efficacy of these CNF+AgNP membranes, a series of performance tests were conducted to measure both adsorption and photocatalytic degradation capacities. The kinetic studies were performed using a photoreactor equipped with blue light irradiation (457 nm) to simulate real-world conditions. Control experiments were also carried out in the absence of light to assess the adsorption behavior alone. Results demonstrated that the CNF+AgNP membranes exhibited superior performance compared to pristine CNF membranes, achieving significantly higher rates of pollutant degradation under blue light exposure. Notably, the antibiotic vancomycin was subjected to treatment with CNF+AgNP membranes under blue light, achieving nearly 100% removal within just 20 minutes.

Beyond pollutant removal, the stability and reusability of the membranes were investigated over multiple cycles. The results confirmed that the membranes retained their structural integrity and maintained high efficiency after repeated use, underscoring their durability and economic viability. Furthermore, bacterial tests were conducted to examine the effect of vancomycin degradation on its antimicrobial activity. It was observed that vancomycin, after exposure to CNF+AgNP membranes under blue light, exhibited reduced antimicrobial properties, promoting bacteria growth, highlighting the potential of these membranes in mitigating the impact of pharmaceutical contaminants in water systems.

Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of CNF+AgNP membranes as a sustainable and efficient solution for advanced water treatment. By integrating adsorption capabilities with plasmonic photocatalysis, these membranes eliminate the need for additional oxidative agents, making them an environmentally friendly alternative for water purification. The promising results pave the way for scaling up their application in industrial and municipal water treatment processes, contributing to sustainable and innovative water purification technologies.