Cellulose Ester-Based Aerogel: Lightweight and Highly Water-Absorbent
Kadir Aksu, Mehmet Kaya
Abstract
High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Cellulose was extracted from waste generated by pruning tea stem wastes. The interaction between pure cellulose and homophthalic acid produced a light (0.22 g·cm –3 ) and eco-friendly hybrid aerogel product that is highly absorbent (85 g of water per 1 g of aerogel). The product has a Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area of 221 m 2 ·g –1 . In addition, the product was analyzed for its structural and functional properties using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and X-ray diffraction. The methodology employed in this study is uncomplicated, utilizing easily accessible and sustainable biowaste at a low cost. As a result, the current process is well-adapted for industrial-scale production, with the potential for significant advancements in the field of green materials.