Nanocellulose hybrid aerogels for water treatment, smart packaging and green electronics
Thesis event information
Date and time of the thesis defence
Place of the thesis defence
TA105 Arina-sali TA105 (Linnanmaa)
Topic of the dissertation
Nanocellulose hybrid aerogels for water treatment, smart packaging and green electronics
Doctoral candidate
PhD in Organic Chemistry Mohammad Karzarjeddi
Faculty and unit
University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Technology, Fibre and Particle Engineering
Subject of study
Process and environmental engineering
Opponent
Associate Professor Falk Liebner, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna
Custos
Professor Henrikki Liimatainen, University of Oulu
Nanocellulose hybrid aerogels for water treatment, smart packaging and green electronics
This doctoral thesis explored porous materials and special aerogels made from nanocellulose (NC), a renewable and environmentally friendly material derived from plant fibers. Nanocellulose has unique properties such as light weight, strength, and a large surface area, making it suitable for advanced and sustainable applications in water purification, smart packaging, and wireless communication.
In the first part of the research, small, spherical, and extremely lightweight aerogel beads were developed to absorb oils and organic solvents from water. These beads were made water-repellent and embedded with magnetic nanoparticles, allowing them to be easily collected and reused. They were highly efficient—absorbing up to 279 times their own weight in substances like castor oil.
The second study focused on removing harmful substances such as pharmaceutical residues and dyes from water. This was achieved using NC-based aerogel beads combined with metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). These new materials effectively removed pollutants like diclofenac and methyl orange from contaminated water.
In the third part, smart packaging materials were developed that change color based on temperature. This was done by adding special liquids that respond to heat. The aerogels changed color from green to blue or red as the temperature rose, showing potential for use in packaging that could indicate product freshness or spoilage.
The fourth study created ultra-light coatings capable of filtering and directing high-frequency signals such as 5G and future 6G. This was accomplished by laser-patterning nanocellulose films and combining them with aerogels. The result was an advanced structure suitable for next-generation wireless communication technologies.
In summary, this research shows that nanocellulose can be used to create smart and multifunctional materials offering sustainable solutions for clean water, intelligent packaging, and future telecommunication needs.
In the first part of the research, small, spherical, and extremely lightweight aerogel beads were developed to absorb oils and organic solvents from water. These beads were made water-repellent and embedded with magnetic nanoparticles, allowing them to be easily collected and reused. They were highly efficient—absorbing up to 279 times their own weight in substances like castor oil.
The second study focused on removing harmful substances such as pharmaceutical residues and dyes from water. This was achieved using NC-based aerogel beads combined with metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). These new materials effectively removed pollutants like diclofenac and methyl orange from contaminated water.
In the third part, smart packaging materials were developed that change color based on temperature. This was done by adding special liquids that respond to heat. The aerogels changed color from green to blue or red as the temperature rose, showing potential for use in packaging that could indicate product freshness or spoilage.
The fourth study created ultra-light coatings capable of filtering and directing high-frequency signals such as 5G and future 6G. This was accomplished by laser-patterning nanocellulose films and combining them with aerogels. The result was an advanced structure suitable for next-generation wireless communication technologies.
In summary, this research shows that nanocellulose can be used to create smart and multifunctional materials offering sustainable solutions for clean water, intelligent packaging, and future telecommunication needs.
Last updated: 8.8.2025