Nano- and micro-oxides are promising materials due to several interesting characteristics such as photocatalytic and antimicrobial role. In this work, zinc oxide nanorods were obtained by microwave-assisted solvothermal process and their photocatalytic performance and action for wood protection against wood-decay fungus was studied. The morphological (scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analyses), microstructural (X-ray powder diffraction analysis) and chemical (infrared spectroscopy) characteristics of the oxide-based nanostructures were investigated. Moreover, photocatalytic performance was evaluated using methylene blue and methyl orange. The nanostructured zinc oxide was impregnated to pinewood samples at 1–5% content and tested for decay resistance using a white-rot fungus. Zinc oxide nanorods agglomerated as urchin-like structures presented high crystallinity, high purity, and high photocatalytic activity. Zinc oxide impregnation was effective in improving pinewood decay resistance, yielding similar protection compared to traditional wood preservative.

Environmental pollution, stemming from the disposal of contaminants, poses severe threats to ecosystems and human health. The emergence of a new class of pollutants, termed emerging contaminants (ECs), in soil, water, and air has raised global concerns, aligning with the UN 2030 Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals. Aerogels, three-dimensional structures with high porosity and low density, offer promise in addressing this issue. Cellulose-based aerogels, derived from abundant, renewable, and biodegradable sources, particularly stand out for their potential in adsorption applications. However, challenges arise in water and wastewater treatment due to cellulose aerogel’s inherent hydrophilicity. To overcome this limitation, incorporating new components and employing modification processes becomes essential. This article explores the production phases and diverse modifications of cellulose aerogels, aiming to enhance their adsorption capabilities for various environmental contaminants. By addressing hydrophilicity issues and developing stable composites, cellulose aerogels can contribute significantly to efficient and sustainable solutions in the quest for cleaner ecosystems and improved human health.