Cellulose-based gel beads for catalytic degradation of methylene blue

In this study, cellulose nanofiber (CNF)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/Fe 3 O 4 hybrid gel beads were synthesized via a reversed-phase suspension method, followed by in situ co-precipitation of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles. The structural and morphological properties of the beads were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). FTIR analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of Fe 3 O 4 and interactions between CNF, PVA, and the nanoparticles. XRD patterns revealed the crystalline nature of Fe 3 O 4 , while SEM and TEM demonstrated a uniform dispersion of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles within the 3D porous network of the gel matrix. The catalytic performance of the hybrid beads was evaluated in the degradation of methylene blue (MB) using sodium borohydride (NaBH 4 ) as a reducing agent. The CNF/PVA/Fe 3 O 4 beads exhibited exceptional catalytic efficiency, achieving complete MB degradation within 6 min at room temperature. The synergistic effect between the well-dispersed Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles and the porous gel structure enhanced reaction kinetics, demonstrating the material’s potential as an effective and reusable catalyst for dye degradation.