A Cellulose Aerogel Made from Paper and Hemp Waste Added with Starch for the Sorption of Oil

Abstract

One sustainable method of removing oil spills is the use of sorbents. In this study, aerogels made from paper waste and crosslinking starch are investigated as sorbents. Aerogels have a high porosity and, thus, achieve a high sorption capacity. The paper waste aerogels are compared with aerogel samples that also contain hemp fibres as a composite. After hydrophobisation with methyltrimethoxysilane, the maximum sorption capacity of crude oil, marine diesel oil and lubricating oil is investigated. Aerogels made of cellulose from paper waste with starch show the highest sorption capacity of about 50 gg−1 for all studied oils. Unfortunately, hemp fibres offer no advantage in sorption capacity, but they do mitigate a decrease in sorption capacity with an increase in cellulose fibre content. This could be an advantage in a possible commercial product, so that the properties do not vary as much.