Abstract
We have previously demonstrated that cellulose nanocrystals modified with poly(ethylenimine) (PEI-f-CNC) are capable of capturing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with malodors. In this manuscript, we describe our efforts to develop a scalable synthesis of these materials from bulk cotton. This work culminated in a reliable protocol for the synthesis of unmodified cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from bulk cotton on a 0.5 kg scale. Additionally, we developed a protocol for the modification of the CNCs by means of sequential 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl (TEMPO) oxidation and 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) coupling to modify their surface with poly(ethylenimine) on a 100 g scale. Subsequently, we evaluated the performance of the PEI-f-CNC materials that were prepared in a series of VOC capture experiments. First, we demonstrated their efficacy in capturing volatile fatty acids emitted at a rendering plant when formulated as packed-bed filter cartridges. Secondly, we evaluated the potential to use aqueous PEI-f-CNC suspensions as a spray-based delivery method for VOC remediation. In both cases, the PEI-f-CNC formulations reduced detectable malodor VOCs by greater than 90%. The facile scaled synthesis of these materials and their excellent performance at VOC remediation suggest that they may emerge as a useful strategy for the remediation of VOCs associated with odor.
Highlights
The development of functional nanomaterials for environmental applications is a burgeoning field of study [1]
We developed a route to access poly(ethylenimine)-modified cellulose nanocrystals (PEI-f -CNC) that are capable of capturing volatile organic compounds associated with odors [22] and degrading common pesticides from water [27]
We demonstrate the efficacy of PEI-f -CNC for the capture of volatile organic compounds associated with odor
Summary
The development of functional nanomaterials for environmental applications is a burgeoning field of study [1]. We developed a route to access poly(ethylenimine)-modified cellulose nanocrystals (PEI-f -CNC) that are capable of capturing volatile organic compounds associated with odors [22] and degrading common pesticides from water [27]. Related poly(amine)-modified cellulose microcrystals (i.e., PEI-f -CMCs) were effective for the removal of polyfluorinated surfactants from water [21]. In this manuscript, we describe a convenient and readily scalable synthesis of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from bulk cotton and a scaled synthesis of PEI-f -CNC from in-house prepared CNCs. we demonstrate the efficacy of PEI-f -CNC for the capture of volatile organic compounds associated with odor. We find that the materials described in this manuscript are capable of capturing gaseous volatile fatty acids and aldehydes from ambient air
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