Novel method of preparation of tricarboxylic cellulose nanofiber for efficient removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solution.

2,3,6‑Tricarboxy cellulose nanofiber (TPC-CNFs) was prepared by 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine‑1‑oxyl (TEMPO) oxidation of dissolving cellulose pulp (selective at C-6) followed by periodate-chlorite oxidation (selective on C-2 and C-3). Characterization of the prepared samples were carried out using, atomic force microscope (AFM), carboxylate content determination, FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and light transmittance spectra. Also, the mechanical properties of TEMPO-oxidized of cellulose nanofiber (T-CNFs) and TPC-CNFs with and without polyamide-amine-epichlorohydrin crosslinker (PAE) films were determined which the tensile strength were 8.19, 12.43 and 20.5 MPa and elastic moduli of 1814, 1097 and 1150 MPa respectively. Tricaboxy cellulose nanofiber was developed as a novel adsorbent of heavy metal ions. Removal of heavy metals such as Cu, Ca and Pb from aqueous solution was carried out and the adsorption efficiencies were analyzed. On the other hand, the effect of the addition of the crosslinking agent to CNFs and the carboxylate contents of CNFs were investigated.