Crucial roles of graphene oxide in preparing alginate/nanofibrillated cellulose double network composites hydrogels

In this study, a novel strategy to prepare sodium alginate (SA)/nano fibrillated cellulose (NFC) double network (DN) hydrogel beads with the aid of graphene oxide (GO) was developed. In comparison with the multi-step freezing-thawing method, this study employs a facile one-step freeze drying method with the presence of GO sheets. The crucial roles of GO were highlighted as an efficient nucleating agent of NFC and a reinforcer for the hydrogel. The adsorption property of the DN hydrogel towards crystal violet (CV) was also studied. Results indicated that the introduction of GO could greatly facilitate the formation of double networks. Furthermore, the as-prepared DN hydrogel beads exhibited an efficacious adsorption property towards CV. The maximum adsorption capacity of the hydrogels for CV was observed as 665 mg g−1. Therefore, our approach here represents a facile method for the preparation of crystalline polymer based DN hydrogels to replace the awkward freezing-thawing process, giving inspiration for DN hydrogels design and preparation. Moreover, due to its efficient adsorption capacity, the hydrogels hold great promise for the water pollution control materials.