Cellulose-based superabsorbents revolutionize water retention, transforming drought-stricken regions.
The goal was to improve the water absorption ability of cellulose for making better absorbent materials. To do this, the researchers treated cellulose with hydrogen peroxide and TEMPO chemicals. They mixed this treated cellulose with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), then linked them with epichlorohydrin to create a new absorbent material. When tested, the treated cellulose blend soaked up more water than regular cellulose blends. In different acidity levels (pH 2, 7, and 10), the new material showed increased water absorption power compared to the normal samples. So, treating cellulose with these chemicals made it better at absorbing water, which is useful for making efficient absorbent products.