A robust, eco-friendly, and biodegradable cellulose nanofiber composite film for highly effective formaldehyde removal at room temperature.

Formaldehyde (HCHO) poses a significant threat as a common indoor air pollutant, leading to various health issues. However, effectively addressing HCHO removal at room temperature remains a considerable challenge. This paper presents the preparation of a robust, eco-friendly, and biodegradable composite cellulose nanofiber film, incorporating CeO-Ag@MnO catalysts and TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofiber (TOCNF), for high-efficiency HCHO removal at room temperature. A CeO-Ag@MnO ternary catalyst with a core-shell structure was constructed to enhance the catalytic oxidation activity and stability. This structure increased the number of active sites on the catalyst surface and enhanced the interfacial synergistic effect of Ce-Ag-Mn. The TOCNF physically adsorbed HCHO in the composite film, while the catalyst oxidized it to CO and water. The composite films, particularly those with 20 wt% CeO-Ag@MnO catalyst, exhibited high HCHO removal rates of 91.2 % at 20 °C and 99.6 % at 60 °C. Furthermore, the TOCNF/20 CAM composite films demonstrated excellent mechanical properties and degradability. This composite film offers an efficient and eco-friendly solution for the catalytic oxidation of HCHO at room temperature.