Scientists have unveiled a new environmentally adaptable adsorbent capable of removing up to 99.9% of microplastics from water. Developed through the supramolecular self-assembly of chitin, derived from squid bone, and cellulose extracted from cotton, this biomass fibrous framework offers a sustainable solution for one of the most pressing global environmental challenges.
Microplastics, tiny plastic particles that infiltrate water bodies, pose serious risks to ecosystems and human health. These pollutants, often carrying toxic compounds, are found in every corner of the planet, from the depths of oceans to remote mountain peaks. Addressing this widespread pollution requires efficient, scalable, and cost-effective solutions, which many current methods fail to provide.
In the Wuhan University-led study, published in Science Advances, researchers demonstrated the remarkable performance of the chitin-cellulose material in removing diverse microplastics, including polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate. The adsorbent achieved high removal efficiencies of 98.0–99.9% across various real-world water samples, such as lake water, still water, coastal water, and water from agricultural irrigation. Moreover, it maintained a 95.1–98.1% efficiency even after five reuse cycles, showcasing excellent durability.
Fabrication pathway of self-assembled supramolecular biomass foam. (A) Schematic of the supramolecular self-assembly of preparing chitin/cotton fibrous foam (Ct-Cel) via hydrogen bonding. (B) Large-sized biomass foam with 30 × 50 cm. (C) 3D micro-CT and (D) SEM images of Ct-Cel fibrous foam. (E) FTIR spectra of raw materials and Ct-Cel foam. XPS of (F) N1s and (G) O1s from raw materials and Ct-Cel foam. (H) Stable snapshots of MD-simulated configuration for self-assembled Ct-Cel mixture. (I) Rg value and intermolecular hydrogen bond number of Ct-Cel model before and after self-assembly. Credit: Science Advances. DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn8662.
The chitin-cellulose material employs a combination of intermolecular forces, including hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions, to capture microplastics effectively. The material is resistant to multiple pollutants in water, with enhanced adsorption when coexisting with microorganisms and heavy metals like lead (Pb²⁺).
With cost-effective raw materials like squid bone and cotton, simple fabrication processes, and scalability potential, this solution could revolutionize microplastic remediation. Researchers envision applications ranging from municipal filtration systems to household appliances like washing machines, targeting microplastic pollution at its source.
This breakthrough highlights a promising path toward mitigating microplastic pollution globally, offering hope for cleaner and healthier aquatic ecosystems. Further testing and industrial-scale implementation are anticipated in the coming years.
