Cellulose-Based Aerogels for Sustainable Dye Removal: Advances and Prospects

Dye pollution in wastewater is a persistent environmental challenge, with synthetic dyes posing significant threats to aquatic ecosystems and human health. This review article examines the potential of cellulose-based aerogels as a sustainable solution for removing dyes from wastewater. Cellulose aerogels, owing to their high porosity, large surface area, and tailorable surface chemistry, have emerged as promising adsorbent materials for dye remediation. The review outlines the sources and classification of dyes, highlighting their environmental and health implications. It then provides a comprehensive overview of various dye removal methodologies, critically analyzing their advantages and limitations and underscoring the need for effective and sustainable treatment technologies. The preparation of cellulose aerogels, including natural, regenerated, and cellulose derivative variants, is discussed, along with surface modification strategies to enhance their dye adsorption capabilities. Detailed characterization techniques and the assessment of dye removal performance are also covered. The review concludes by synthesizing the key findings and outlining recommendations for future research, such as developing innovative cellulose aerogel formulations, conducting life-cycle assessments, and fostering collaborative efforts to accelerate the adoption of these technologies in wastewater treatment applications. This review aims to contribute to the advancement of sustainable and efficient dye removal solutions using cellulose-based aerogels.