Magnetically Collectable Nanocellulose-Coated Polymer\nMicroparticles by Emulsion Templating

Abstract

Magnetic\nnano/microparticles offer potential benefits for environmental\napplications such as water purification. However, achieving functional\nand stable surfaces remains a critical challenge for magnetic particle\ndesign. Nanocellulose, a naturally occurring nanofiber, is a promising\nsurface material candidate, owing to its ease of functionalization\nand chemical stability. Here, we developed a magnetically collectable\nnanocellulose-coated polymer microparticle synthesis method, based\non Pickering emulsion templating. The average diameter of the core/shell\nmicroparticles was 2.7 μm, and they were well dispersed in water,\nowing to the coverage with surface-carboxylated nanocelluloses. Most\nmagnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles with a 30 nm diameter\nwere encapsulated in the microparticles and enriched at the CNF/polymer\ninterfaces. The nanocellulose shell showed high loading of cationic\ndye molecules. In addition, the nanocellulose-coated microparticles\ncould be recovered even after the dye loading by exposing the aqueous\ndispersion to a magnetic field.