Synthesis of Carbon Nanocomposites Consisting of Nanocellulose-Derived Carbon Fibers and Reduced Graphene Oxide for High-Performance Captive Deionization

Abstract

Several types of nanocellulose-derived carbon/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposites are synthesized using three nanocellulose types: cellulose nanofibers (CNF), long cellulose nanocrystals (CNC-L), and short cellulose nanocrystals (CNC-S). The nanocomposites achieve a large surface area due to the small nanocellulose fibers acting as spacers. For the capacitive deionization (CDI) test, the CNC-L/rGO is selected and compared with the rGO prepared without nanocelluloses. It achieves a high sodium ion adsorption capacity of 45.67 mg g-1 and a high salt adsorption capacity of 57.08 mg g-1 at a NaCl concentration of 2000 mg L-1. Excellent stability and performance are also confirmed across varying saline concentrations. These outstanding properties make the CNC-L/rGO a promising electrode material for efficient and sustainable water desalination.