Cellulose/graphene nanoplatelets cryogel for adsorption of dyes in an aqueous medium

Abstract The development of new technologies for the removal of dyes present in industrial effluents has been the subject of great interest in recent years, due to the increase in awareness about environmental preservation and the greater rigor of specific legislation. In this context, adsorption is one of the most promising techniques for color removal, since it has a relatively low cost, in addition to having appreciable efficiency. The use of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) as a reinforcement for cellulose cryogels brings interesting properties to it, such as increased mechanical strength and adsorption capacity (oils, dyes...). Considering the mentioned aspects, this work aims to evaluate the adsorbent capacity of cellulose/GNP cryogel in the removal of congo red organic dye in an aqueous medium. The differential of the present work will be the use of GNP as a carbonaceous structure to reinforce the cellulose cryogel. Thus, a potential material will be developed for application as an adsorbent in the removal of dyes in an aqueous medium.