Abstract
The surface chemistry and adsorption behavior of submicrometer cellulosic and lignin particles have drawn wide-ranging interest in the scientific community. Here, we introduce their assembly at fluid/fluid interfaces in Pickering systems and discuss their role in reducing the oil/water interfacial tension, limiting flocculation and coalescence, and endowing given functional properties. We discuss the stabilization of multiphase systems by cellulosic and lignin colloids and the opportunities for their adoption. They can be used alone, as dual components, or in combination with amphiphilic molecules for the design of multiphase systems relevant to household products, paints, coatings, pharmaceutical, foodstuff, and cosmetic formulations. This invited feature article summarizes some of our work and that of colleagues to introduce the readers to this fascinating and topical area.
Highlights
The surface chemistry and adsorption behavior of submicrometer cellulosic and lignin particles have drawn wide-ranging interest in the scientific community
Among the various cellulosic materials, the recent popularity of nanocelluloses stems in part from their fibrillar or rodlike nature, nanometer size in the lateral dimension, tailorable crystallinity, and structuring capabilities, which equip them for a vast number of applications
It has been realized that many advantages may materialize if lignin remains in the isolated “lignonanocelluloses”. This enables some level of control on their interactions with water, depending on the composition and type of lignin.[21−24] we propose that consideration should be given to (1) lignocellulosic colloids, (2) those inherently produced as mixtures containing nanocellulose and lignin, and (3) colloids that combine the single components
Summary
Progress on lignin and nanocellulose applications is accelerating rapidly. This includes uses as rheology modifiers, in coatings and stabilization of multiphase systems,[75] in liquid crystals,[42] in hybrid materials,[118] and as templates for functional materials,[52] among many others. In the colloidal forms (here nanocelluloses and lignin particles), they combine their intrinsic features and their characteristic shapes and sizes toward a large variety of promising performances Triggered by their fascinating properties, especially the distinctive interfacial behavior, advanced applications of lignonanocellulose at the oil/water interface will develop extensively and profoundly, evolving from fundamental insights to practical aspects. They can reduce the need for synthetic materials used in colloid systems and will open new opportunities for revealing novel functional applications of structurally defined natural nano- and microparticles We leave this feature article with some questions that were partially addressed but remain open for discussion: What factors affect the assembly of plant-based colloids at the oil/water interface?
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