Composite number

Langmuir adsorption model

Engineering

Nanomaterials

Adsorption

Composite material

Catalysis

Nanotechnology

Organic chemistry

Chemistry

Materials science

Methylene blue

Cellulose

Aerogel

Chemical engineering

Polymerization

Polymer

Photocatalysis

Incorporation of nanoparticles into a three-dimensional porous framework to enhance adsorption capacity and recyclability of nanomaterial is of great significance for water contamination removal. Herein, a functionalized cellulose/MXene composite aerogel is prepared by the oxidative self-polymerization of dopamine hydrochloride and freeze-drying, which exhibits an excellent adsorption performance for methylene blue (MB). Characterization results show the successful combination of PDA and Ti3C2Tx into the cellulose aerogel with merits of light weight, high structural stability and high porosity. The adsorption process is understood more deeply through the adsorption kinetics. The Langmuir isotherm model was used to better fit the adsorption process, and the maximum adsorption capacity for MB reaches 168.93 mg g−1. Such a superior adsorption ability for MB is maintained in salt-containing water, or even a little higher when the concentration of NaCl is above 3%, recommending the functionalized cellulose/MXene composite aerogel for efficient removal of dyes in high-salt water environment.

Polydopamine functionalized cellulose-MXene composite aerogel with superior adsorption of methylene blue