Turning waste into wealth: Chitosan-functionalized nanofibers for sustainable gold recovery
A green chemistry breakthrough from Shaoxing University
image: Efficient adsorption and reduction of Au(III) to gold particles using cost-effective chitosan functionalized cellulose nanofiber
Credit: Yao Wang, Muqing Qiu, Chia Chay Tay, Zhixin Liu, Wei Wang & Baowei Hu
In a remarkable leap forward for green chemistry, researchers at the School of Life and Environmental Science, Shaoxing University, China, have developed an innovative method to efficiently adsorb and reduce Au(III) ions to gold particles using cost-effective chitosan-functionalized cellulose nanofibers. This groundbreaking study, titled "Efficient Adsorption and Reduction of Au(III) to Gold Particles Using Cost-Effective Chitosan Functionalized Cellulose Nanofiber," offers a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for gold recovery, led by Prof. Baowei Hu.
The Gold Recovery Challenge: A Call for Sustainable Solutions
Gold, a precious metal with a myriad of industrial and decorative uses, is often extracted through environmentally harmful processes. Traditional gold recovery methods can be costly and contribute to environmental degradation. However, a team of researchers at Shaoxing University has discovered a novel approach that not only recovers gold efficiently but also does so in an environmentally friendly manner.
The Power of Chitosan-Functionalized Cellulose Nanofibers: A Sustainable Breakthrough
Imagine transforming agricultural waste into a high-value material capable of recovering gold from industrial waste streams. This is precisely what Prof. Baowei Hu and his team have achieved. By functionalizing cellulose nanofibers with chitosan, a biopolymer derived from crustacean shells, they have created a highly effective adsorbent for Au(III) ions. This material not only adsorbs the ions but also reduces them to pure gold particles, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional gold recovery methods.
Research Highlights and Future Directions
This study, conducted at the School of Life and Environmental Science, Shaoxing University, highlights the innovative use of chitosan-functionalized cellulose nanofibers. The research demonstrates that these nanofibers can efficiently adsorb and reduce Au(III) ions to gold particles, making the process both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Key findings include:
- High Adsorption Capacity: The chitosan-functionalized cellulose nanofibers exhibit exceptional adsorption capacity for Au(III) ions.
- Efficient Reduction: The nanofibers not only adsorb the ions but also facilitate their reduction to pure gold particles.
- Sustainable Materials: The use of chitosan and cellulose nanofibers ensures that the process is eco-friendly and sustainable.
- Future Applications: The study opens up possibilities for using these nanofibers in various industrial applications, including wastewater treatment and precious metal recovery.
A Sustainable Future: Transforming Waste into Value
This research is not just a scientific advancement; it is a step towards a sustainable future. By developing a cost-effective and eco-friendly method for gold recovery, Prof. Baowei Hu and his team are contributing to a circular economy where waste materials are transformed into valuable resources. This approach is a win-win for both the environment and the economy, offering a practical solution to reduce waste and recover precious metals.
Innovative Solutions for a Greener World
Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking research from the School of Life and Environmental Science at Shaoxing University. Prof. Baowei Hu and his team are leading the way in developing sustainable solutions for precious metal recovery. This innovative approach is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and the potential of green chemistry to solve some of our most pressing environmental challenges. Together, we can transform waste into wealth and build a sustainable future for all.
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Journal reference: Wang, Y., Qiu, M., Tay, C.C. et al. Efficient adsorption and reduction of Au(III) to gold particles using cost-effective chitosan functionalized cellulose nanofiber. Carbon Res. 4, 12 (2025).
https://doi.org/10.1007/s44246-024-00176-3
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About Carbon Research
The journal Carbon Research is an international multidisciplinary platform for communicating advances in fundamental and applied research on natural and engineered carbonaceous materials that are associated with ecological and environmental functions, energy generation, and global change. It is a fully Open Access (OA) journal and the Article Publishing Charges (APC) are waived until Dec 31, 2025. It is dedicated to serving as an innovative, efficient and professional platform for researchers in the field of carbon functions around the world to deliver findings from this rapidly expanding field of science. The journal is currently indexed by Scopus and Ei Compendex, and as of June 2025, the dynamic CiteScore value is 15.4.