Eco-Friendly NiO Nanomaterials Synthesized Using Waste-Derived Cellulose: Tailored Structural, Textural, and Optical Properties
Alvin Lim Teik ZHENG, Azrul Nurfaiz Mohd FAIZAL, Syeed Saifulazry Osman EL-EDRUS, Keeren Sundara RAJOO, Kar Ban TAN, Yoshito ANDOU
Abstract. The sustainable synthesis of nanomaterials using biomass-derived resources offers a practical strategy to address environmental concerns and resource depletion. In this study, dissolved cellulose, typically discarded as waste, was employed as a template and stabilizing agent for nickel oxide (NiO) synthesis via the co-precipitation method. XRD analysis showed that cellulose-assisted NiO exhibited larger crystallite sizes and reduced lattice strain. UV–DRS and Tauc plot measurements revealed a reduced band gap energy for NiO–C (2.10 eV) compared to pure NiO (2.54 eV), indicating enhanced visible-light absorption. BET and DFT pore size analysis demonstrated that NiO–C possessed a lower surface area (64.42 m²/g) but a more uniform pore structure relative to pure NiO (179.42 m²/g). SEM micrographs further revealed porous, aggregated features in NiO–C, in contrast to the dense, uniform morphology of pure NiO. Importantly, the synthesis achieved a material cost of approximately RM 4.83 per gram, highlighting its affordability alongside sustainability. These findings highlight the significant role of dissolved cellulose in tailoring structural and functional properties of NiO, while advancing a low-cost and green route for high-performance nanomaterials.
Keywords
Dissolved Cellulose, Nickel Oxide, Green Synthesis, Precipitation
Published online 11/15/2026, 8 pages
Copyright © 2026 by the author(s)
Published under license by Materials Research Forum LLC., Millersville PA, USA
Citation: Alvin Lim Teik ZHENG, Azrul Nurfaiz Mohd FAIZAL, Syeed Saifulazry Osman EL-EDRUS, Keeren Sundara RAJOO, Kar Ban TAN, Yoshito ANDOU, Eco-Friendly NiO Nanomaterials Synthesized Using Waste-Derived Cellulose: Tailored Structural, Textural, and Optical Properties, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 74, pp 55-62, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644904473-8
The article was published as article 8 of the book Composite Science and Technology
Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
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