Fabrication of versatile lignocellulose nanofibril/polymerizable deep eutectic solvent hydrogels with anti-swelling, adhesive and low-temperature resistant properties via a one-pot strategy

Abstract

Lignocellulosic nanofibril (LCNF) is indispensable in numerous potential applications because of its unsurpassed quintessential characteristics. While it still remains a challenge to assemble LCNF in a facile and environmental economy-first manner. In this work, a simple and green one-step synthetic approach was reported to prepare a series of LCNF-containing versatile hydrogels using deep eutectic solvent (DES). In particular, the LCNF5% hydrogel (namely LCNF5%-gel) in this work perfectly integrated superior stretchability (∼643 %), and displayed a dramatically improved anti-swelling ability (25 %) compared to the control sample (neat DES hydrogel, 2252 %). Simultaneously, the LCNF5% hydrogel presented underwater adhesiveness and outstanding long-term low-temperature resistance (stable at −25 °C for a month). This novel multifunctional hydrogel, prepared by a facile and eco-friendly strategy, is potentially useful in wet adhesion or underwater applications.