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Nanotechnology

Sustainable Nanoscale Zero-Valent Iron Adsorbents for Efficient Diclofenac Removal from Wastewater

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers have developed a novel nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) induced cellulose nanocrystals/poly(acrylic acid) cross-linked hydrogel (Fe@CP) that efficiently removes diclofenac, a pharmaceutical pollutant, from wastewater. This sustainable adsorbent overcomes the limitations of conventional adsorbents, exhibiting high adsorption capacity, rate constant, and pH adaptability.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Fe@CP hydrogel was prepared using free radical polymerization and ion-crosslinking, resulting in a uniform crosslinked network with high surface area and active sites.
  • The adsorption kinetics of diclofenac on Fe@CP followed the pseudo-second-order model, indicating chemical adsorption plays a dominant role in the process.
  • The maximum adsorption capacity of Fe@CP for diclofenac was 801.5 mg/g, higher than CP hydrogel crosslinked directly with Fe or FeO.
  • The Fe@CP hydrogel showed excellent diclofenac adsorption performance due to nZVI crosslinking, interconnected channels, and abundant active sites.
  • The wide pH adaptability and high ionic strength resistance of Fe@CP provide great potential for pharmaceutical wastewater applications.
  • Xiao Zhou and colleagues developed this novel adsorbent, with contributions from Luna Tie, Yucai Bai, Mingyang Song, Xiaodong Li, Wei-Xian Zhang, and Zilong Deng.

Statistics:

  • Maximum adsorption capacity for diclofenac on Fe@CP: 801.5 mg/g
  • Rate constant for diclofenac adsorption on Fe@CP: 0.065 L/mg
  • Adsorption isotherm for diclofenac on Fe@CP: well-described by Langmuir model
  • pH adaptability of Fe@CP: wide range of 2-12
  • Ionic strength resistance of Fe@CP: high

Sources:

  • Zhou, X., et al. nZVI induced cellulose nanocrystals/poly(acrylic acid) cross-linked hydrogel for enhanced diclofenac adsorption. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2025:146495.
  • NewsRx. Studies from Xiao Zhou et al Add New Findings in the Area of Ophthalmic Antiinflammatory Agents [nZVI induced cellulose nanocrystals/poly(acrylic acid) cross-linked hydrogel for enhanced diclofenac adsorption]. Nanotechnology Weekly. August 18, 2025; p 484.

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