ABSTRACT
Nanocellulose, which offers a combination of biosorption, nanodimension and unique cellulosic nature, has a potential for a new and green route to solve the water pollution problems. The chapter focuses on water purification via adsorption process using nanocellulose and its membranes. The mechanism of purification is based on the capability of the nanocellulose and/or nanochitin to selectively adsorb, store and desorb contaminants from industrial water and drinking water while passing through a nanoporous, ultraporous or semi-permeable membrane. Membranes may be classified according to characteristic pore size. Layered membranes are developed as an attempt to increase the membrane flux while providing easy accessibility to functional groups on the nanocellulose. The electrospun fibrous membranes have also shown potential as an excellent support layer for a secondary active surface by creating a more complete secondary layer of a bilayered composite membrane. The design of an efficient and economical module with high surface area is crucial for successful commercialisation of membrane processes.
