Oil/Water Separation Study of Synthesized Cellulose Aerogel

Despite our country experiencing some of the highest rainfall levels globally, achieving water security and sustainability remains a challenge compared to first-world nations. The expenditure on water remediation constantly be the main rationalization, however the adoption of our lignocellulosic biomass at the highest level might provide the light at the end of the tunnel. Still, the vital challenges on the utilization of biomass are the hygroscopic in nature, which was a drawback on its wide application of water remediation. Therefore, the main objective was to enhance the surface area of regenerated cellulose by the formation of polymeric to separate cooking oil for water remediation. Briefly, augmentation of cellulose surface area and roughness was achieved by converting the cellulose-to-cellulose aerogel through the dissolution of the green solvent of alkaline urea system and freeze-drying process. The selectivity of oil uptake towards the aerogel was performed. The chemical and morphological analysis were conducted and the results showed that this cellulose aerogel was successfully separate oil from waste cooking oil and further can be used as compost piles, where it can be broken down by microorganisms over time. Hence, this project is expected to expand the chain of high value-added products and green growth for sustainability, which is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 by United Nations.