Cellulose nanofiber/reduced graphene oxide heterogeneous aerogels for solar-driven interfacial desalination via directional freezing

Zhiyu Li; Xinjie Luo; Li Zhou; Huanyu Shi; Chunyan Zhao; Guofen Gao; Renjie Chen; Fei Pan; Wenjun Meng

doi:10.1016/j.seppur.2025.136018

Cellulose nanofiber/reduced graphene oxide heterogeneous aerogels for solar-driven interfacial desalination via directional freezing

Zhiyu Li
, Xinjie Luo
, Li Zhou
, Huanyu Shi
, Chunyan Zhao
, Guofen Gao
, Renjie Chen^*
, Fei Pan^*
, Wenjun Meng

^*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

This study valorizes spent coffee grounds (SCGs), a globally abundant agro-industrial residue, by developing sustainable cellulose nanofiber/reduced graphene oxide (CNF/rGO) heterogeneous aerogels for efficient solar-driven interfacial desalination. The heterogeneous aerogels with a unique double-layer structure are engineered via directional freezing technology, maximizing solar evaporation while minimizing the use of photothermal materials. The optimized aerogel (G₃) achieves an evaporation rate of 1.899 kg·m⁻²·h⁻¹ and material cost-effectiveness of 0.913 L·h⁻¹·$⁻¹. The study highlights the synergistic effects of pore structure and rGO content on desalination efficiency. Long-term tests under natural sunlight confirm the stability and practicality of these aerogels for sustainable freshwater production. By transforming SCGs into functional materials through advanced aerogel design for water purification, this work advances circular economy strategies for industrial biomass upcycling.

Original language	English
Article number	136018
Journal	Separation and Purification Technology
Volume	382
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2025.136018
Publication status	Published - 26 Feb 2026
Externally published	Yes

Keywords

Cellulose nanofiber
Desalination
Directional freezing technology
Heterogeneous aerogel
Spent coffee grounds

Access to Document

10.1016/j.seppur.2025.136018

Cite this

@article{dd966917d3974136ab8a72232bafaab1,

title = "Cellulose nanofiber/reduced graphene oxide heterogeneous aerogels for solar-driven interfacial desalination via directional freezing",

abstract = "This study valorizes spent coffee grounds (SCGs), a globally abundant agro-industrial residue, by developing sustainable cellulose nanofiber/reduced graphene oxide (CNF/rGO) heterogeneous aerogels for efficient solar-driven interfacial desalination. The heterogeneous aerogels with a unique double-layer structure are engineered via directional freezing technology, maximizing solar evaporation while minimizing the use of photothermal materials. The optimized aerogel (G3) achieves an evaporation rate of 1.899 kg·m−2·h−1 and material cost-effectiveness of 0.913 L·h−1·\$−1. The study highlights the synergistic effects of pore structure and rGO content on desalination efficiency. Long-term tests under natural sunlight confirm the stability and practicality of these aerogels for sustainable freshwater production. By transforming SCGs into functional materials through advanced aerogel design for water purification, this work advances circular economy strategies for industrial biomass upcycling.",

keywords = "Cellulose nanofiber, Desalination, Directional freezing technology, Heterogeneous aerogel, Spent coffee grounds",

author = "Zhiyu Li and Xinjie Luo and Li Zhou and Huanyu Shi and Chunyan Zhao and Guofen Gao and Renjie Chen and Fei Pan and Wenjun Meng",

note = "Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2025 Elsevier B.V.",

year = "2026",

month = feb,

day = "26",

doi = "10.1016/j.seppur.2025.136018",

language = "English",

volume = "382",

journal = "Separation and Purification Technology",

issn = "1383-5866",

publisher = "Elsevier B.V.",

}

TY - JOUR

T1 - Cellulose nanofiber/reduced graphene oxide heterogeneous aerogels for solar-driven interfacial desalination via directional freezing

AU - Li, Zhiyu

AU - Luo, Xinjie

AU - Zhou, Li

AU - Shi, Huanyu

AU - Zhao, Chunyan

AU - Gao, Guofen

AU - Chen, Renjie

AU - Pan, Fei

AU - Meng, Wenjun

PY - 2026/2/26

Y1 - 2026/2/26

N2 - This study valorizes spent coffee grounds (SCGs), a globally abundant agro-industrial residue, by developing sustainable cellulose nanofiber/reduced graphene oxide (CNF/rGO) heterogeneous aerogels for efficient solar-driven interfacial desalination. The heterogeneous aerogels with a unique double-layer structure are engineered via directional freezing technology, maximizing solar evaporation while minimizing the use of photothermal materials. The optimized aerogel (G3) achieves an evaporation rate of 1.899 kg·m−2·h−1 and material cost-effectiveness of 0.913 L·h−1·$−1. The study highlights the synergistic effects of pore structure and rGO content on desalination efficiency. Long-term tests under natural sunlight confirm the stability and practicality of these aerogels for sustainable freshwater production. By transforming SCGs into functional materials through advanced aerogel design for water purification, this work advances circular economy strategies for industrial biomass upcycling.

AB - This study valorizes spent coffee grounds (SCGs), a globally abundant agro-industrial residue, by developing sustainable cellulose nanofiber/reduced graphene oxide (CNF/rGO) heterogeneous aerogels for efficient solar-driven interfacial desalination. The heterogeneous aerogels with a unique double-layer structure are engineered via directional freezing technology, maximizing solar evaporation while minimizing the use of photothermal materials. The optimized aerogel (G3) achieves an evaporation rate of 1.899 kg·m−2·h−1 and material cost-effectiveness of 0.913 L·h−1·$−1. The study highlights the synergistic effects of pore structure and rGO content on desalination efficiency. Long-term tests under natural sunlight confirm the stability and practicality of these aerogels for sustainable freshwater production. By transforming SCGs into functional materials through advanced aerogel design for water purification, this work advances circular economy strategies for industrial biomass upcycling.

KW - Cellulose nanofiber

KW - Desalination

KW - Directional freezing technology

KW - Heterogeneous aerogel

KW - Spent coffee grounds

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105021638134

U2 - 10.1016/j.seppur.2025.136018

DO - 10.1016/j.seppur.2025.136018

M3 - Article

AN - SCOPUS:105021638134

SN - 1383-5866

VL - 382

JO - Separation and Purification Technology

JF - Separation and Purification Technology

M1 - 136018

ER -

Cellulose nanofiber/reduced graphene oxide heterogeneous aerogels for solar-driven interfacial desalination via directional freezing

Abstract

Keywords

Access to Document

Other files and links

Fingerprint

Cite this