Wheat Straw Cellulose Research Articles

Enhancing cellulose and hemicellulose degradation in wheat straw composting by inoculation with Glycomyces: key factors and microbial community dynamics

ABSTRACT Actinobacteria are widely used in aerobic composting of straw waste because of their good degradation effect on lignocellulose. However, there are few studies on the degradation effect of Glycomyces on straw. In this study, six laboratory-scale treatments were conducted: corn straw composting with Glycomyces inoculation (CSI), rice straw composting with Glycomyces inoculation (RSI), and wheat straw composting with Glycomyces inoculation (WSI). Additionally, composting control groups were set up for each type of straw without inoculation: corn straw (CS), rice straw (RS), and wheat straw (WS). Subsequently, a series of chemical analyses and enzymological methods were used to assess the effects of Glycomyces inoculation on environmental variables, enzyme activities, and organic components. Also, high-throughput sequencing was employed to explore the microbial community composition that greatly contributed to the degradation rate of cellulose and hemicellulose during the degradation process of wheat straw. Finally, the factors influencing the cellulose and hemicellulose degradation in WSI were identified using structural equation models (SEMs). The results showed that cellulose and hemicellulose degradation rates were higher in the Glycomyces-inoculated treatment groups than in the non-inoculated groups. Importantly, the degradation rates of cellulose and hemicellulose in WSI were the highest, at 68.09% and 66.81%, respectively. Collectively, total nitrogen and the microbial community structure of the top 30 genera contributing to cellulose and hemicellulose degradation were important factors influencing the straw degradation of WSI. This study not only provides new insights into the regulation of wheat straw degradation, but also has great significance for environmental protection.

Synthesis, characterization, experimental design and process analysis of heavy metals adsorption on a wheat straw based amidoximated bioadsorbent

In this research, 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (MPS) silane agent was applied to modify the extracted wheat straw (WS) cellulose as a natural biopolymer. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) was attached to the MPS-modified WS (MPS-WS) via in-situ polymerization to form PAN-WS biocomposite. AO-WS amidoximated biocomposite adsorbent was synthesized through amidoxime reaction and the effects of different parameters including agitation speed, metal ion concentration, and adsorbent dosage on its efficiency of Pb(II) removal were investigated using the Taguchi experimental design method. The adsorbent was characterized using FE-SEM, FTIR, XRD, and TGA. The FTIR results confirmed that the alkaline treatment removed the hemicellulose and lignin groups and that the silane agent successfully bonded to the WS cellulose. The thermal stability of WS was enhanced by the MPS-WS composite due to the attachment of acrylonitrile polymer chains. The ANOVA results indicated that increasing the adsorbent dosage and decreasing the pollutant’s initial concentration significantly improved the adsorption efficiency. The optimal conditions (an agitation speed = 400 rpm, C0 = 60 mg/L, an adsorbent amount = 0.1 g) yielded maximum adsorption capacity of 22.26 mg/g for the AO-WS bioadsorbent. The kinetic and isotherm studies revealed that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm fit the experimental data best.

Influences of fractional separation on the structure and reactivity of wheat straw cellulose for producing 5-hydroxymethylfurfural

High-efficient production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a “sleeping giant” in sustainable chemistry, from cellulose depends significantly on the effective separation of cellulose from lignocellulosic biomass. Herein, we report the fractional separation of wheat straw cellulose (WSC) from wheat straw under solvothermal conditions using a mixed solvent of γ-valerolactone (GVL) and H2O as the separating solvent, wherein the impacts of fractional separation parameters (solvent composition, temperature, and time) on removals of lignin and hemicellulose as well as purity and recovery of cellulose were studied by a Box-Behnken Design of response surface method. The optimization of the solvothermal parameters enabled an optimal fractional separation condition (VGVL: ∼ 60.0 vol%, T: 205 oC, t: ∼1.7 h) that led to a higher purity (89.4%) and recovery (86.7%) of cellulose in WSC. A further correlation of the removals of lignin and hemicellulose as well as purity and recovery of cellulose with the yield of HMF excluded an independent influence of the above factors. Instead, a comprehensive contribution of high fractional separation efficiency (defined as the product of cellulose purity and recovery) and low crystallinity of WSC was found to improve the HMF yield. However, the heat- and freeze-dryings of WSC after the solvothermal separation were found to lower the HMF yield because it re-improved the crystallinity of WSC. A high HMF yield of 58.6 mol% was achieved after reacting wet-WSC in a mixed solvent of 1,4-dioxane and H2O at 180 oC for 20 min, which was 1.5 fold higher than that from microcrystalline cellulose. This work highlights the importance of enhancing the fractional separation efficiency of cellulose from lignocellulosic biomass whereas avoiding drying process for future HMF biorefinery.

Cellulose-based intelligent packaging films with antibacterial, UV-blocking, and biodegradable properties for shrimp freshness monitoring

The development of sustainable and functional packaging materials has become a very promising way to reduce pollution from traditional plastics. To address the shortcomings of natural materials with single function, poor antimicrobial and mechanical properties, and to develop more competitive green food packaging, a sodium carboxymethyl cellulose based multifunctional packaging film interspersed with wheat straw cellulose fibers (CF) and cellulose nanofibers (CNF) was proposed in this study, where CF and CNF increased the surface area of the film and loading capacity of the functional materials at the micrometer and nanometer levels, respectively. A biodegradable supramolecular polymer, polydiacetylene (PDA), was introduced into the film. Then, ZnO nanoparticles and PDA carboxylate head group coordination self-assembly strategy was utilized to build a PDA/Zn2+ intercalation composite structure, which was able to produce a highly sensitive specific response to biogenic amine and endowed the film with the ability of visual indication, as well as to effectively improve the film’s antimicrobial, ultraviolet light shielding, gas barrier, and water resistance properties. Moreover, the dense structure enables the film to withstand more than 50 reciprocal folds of nearly 180°, far exceeding that of ordinary packaging paper (about 10 folds). Composite packaging film enabled effective quality retention and spoilage monitoring of high protein products, especially shrimp with high biogenic amine release. This study provides a valuable reference for the application of supramolecular polymers, such as PDA, in food packaging materials, and gives a diversified development idea for plastic alternative packaging and multifunctional food packaging.

Effects and Analysis of Chytazone in the Process of Processing Paper from Natural polymeres

The paper obtained during the study was mainly obtained from wheat straw cellulose and Jerusalem artichoke cellulose, which contained chitosan of various concentrations. An increase in the mechanical properties of the obtained papers was observed in samples using the substance chitosan. A 1.0% chitosan was added to the paper, mainly based on various plant celluloses. It should be noted that the obtained paper products were used without bleaching due to the fact that it was recommended to use them for wrapping paper. The youngest results were observed in samples prepared from a composition of wheat straw and artichoke pulp. From the fiber morphology, it was observed that the sized paper fibers became stronger, denser and smoother. Keywords: chytazone, Natural polymers, fibers, cellulose. Biocomposites of chitosan (CS)/cellulose nanocrystals (CN) were prepared by using solution casting method. Influences of solution preparation method and CN content on the properties of composites were investigated. Mechanical stirring/ultrasonication or micro fluidization were used to disperse nanocrystals in the chitosan matrix. The prepared nanocomposites were characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, DSC, TGA, TMA and contact angle measurements.

Preparation and characterization of sisal fiber-reinforced wheat straw cellulose polymer matrix composite for fiberboard application

Preparation and characterization of sisal fiber-reinforced wheat straw cellulose polymer matrix composite for fiberboard application

THE SHORT-TERM EFFECTS OF WHEAT STRAW CELLULOSE ON SOIL CARBON MINERALIZATION

Cellulosic wastes constitute the majority of agricultural fields. The purpose of this study was to utilize these cellulosic wastes such as wheat straw and wheat straw cellulose on soil carbon mineralization in a sandy loam soils. Two different doses (100 and 1000 mg) of wheat straw cellulose were used to determine the carbon mineralization using CO2 respiration method. The cumulative carbon mineralization was found to be highest at the minumum doses of wheat straw cellulose with nitrogen (W-CL-N, 19.65 mg) and the lowest at the maximum doses of wheat straw (W-Straw, 14.32 mg). The results showed that the application of wheat straw cellulose at minumum doses resulted in higher carbon mineralization rate. The maximum carbon mineralization rate was observed in soil with minimum wheat straw cellulose and nitrogen source were added (1.41%). Whereas, the minimum carbon mineralization rate was determined in the soil mixed maximum wheat straw (1.03 %). The soil mixed maximum wheat straw was determined the lowest carbon mineralization rate due to its complex structure. The use of nitrogen source and organic matter with cellulose have positive effect on soil carbon mineralization. It might be said that these results describe an effective way for disposal of organic wastes.

Properties and antimicrobial activity of wheat-straw nanocellulose-arabinoxylan acetate composite films incorporated with silver nanoparticles

In the current study, the novel eco-friendly and biodegradable nanocomposite films (NC-AXAc) were prepared from wheat-straw NC and AXAc with improved functional properties. NC derived from wheat-straw cellulose has a fibre-like structure with mean-particle size in the 340–520 nm range. AX derived AXAc was prepared with Degree of Substitution (DS) in the range of 1.85–1.89. Furthermore, to enhance antimicrobial properties, AgNPs were prepared via the reduction method using NaBH4 and added into the concentration of 4 × 10−4M into the emulsion forming composite films. The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) incorporated in the composite exhibited an average size of 40–70 nm and a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) absorption peak at 395 nm. The high-resolution XPS spectrum of the Ag element showed that the two peaks at around 374.2 eV (Ag3d3/2) and 368.2 eV (Ag3d5/2) clearly revealed the metallic Ag existence in composite films. SEM analysis revealed the coarse and heterogeneous morphology of AgNPs incorporated films. The AgNPs incorporated composites exhibited good mechanical, thermal stability, and antimicrobial activity. The results suggested that AgNPs incorporated NC-AXAc composites could be used as a potential biodegradable antimicrobial nanocomposite in active food packaging systems for shelf-life extension of perishable commodities.

Orientated inhibition of humin formation in efficient production of levulinic acid from cellulose with high substrate loading: Synergistic role of additives

The main bottleneck in the direct conversion of cellulose to levulinic acid (LA), a promising bio-based platform chemical, lies in the severe formation of humins, especially at high substrate loading (>10 wt%). Herein, we report an efficient catalytic system consisting of a 2-methyltetrahydrofuran/water (MTHF/H2O) biphasic solvent with NaCl and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as additives for converting cellulose (15 wt%) to LA in the presence of a benzenesulfonic acid catalyst. We show that both NaCl and CTAB accelerated the depolymerization of cellulose and formation of LA. However, NaCl favored the humin formation via degradative condensations, whereas CTAB inhibited humin formation by restraining the routes of both degradative and dehydrated condensations. A synergistic role of NaCl and CTAB on suppressing humin formations is illustrated. The combined use of NaCl and CTAB led to an increased LA yield (60.8 mol%) from microcrystalline cellulose in MTHF/H2O (VMTHF/VH2O = 2/1) at 453 K for 2 h. Moreover, it was efficient for converting cellulose fractioned from several kinds of lignocellulosic biomass, wherein a high LA yield of 81.0 mol% was achieved from wheat straw cellulose. This work presents a new strategy for advancing LA biorefinery by synergistically promoting cellulose depolymerization with orientated inhibition of undesired humin formation.

3D nanoflower-like MoS2 grown on wheat straw cellulose carbon for lithium-ion battery anode material

In this paper, we report a simple and reliable hydrothermal synthesis strategy to prepare high-performance energy storage materials. Herein, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was added to obtain spherical MoS2 composite wheat straw cellulose carbon material (MoS2 @WSCC-S), and ammonium persulfate (APS) was further added under acidic conditions to obtain 3D nanoflower-like MoS2 grown on wheat straw cellulose carbon (MoS2 @WSCC-F). These results unequivocally demonstrate that the presence of oxygen-containing groups and the pH of the solution are key factors enabling the formation of flower-like structures, with MoS2 uniformly decorated on the wheat straw cellulose carbon. Mo at the edge of MoS2, C in PVP molecules, and oxygen-containing functional groups released by APS are directly coupled with wheat straw cellulose carbon (C-O-Mo bond). The interfacial interaction of the C-O-Mo bond can enhance the electron transport rate and structural stability of the MoS2 @WSCC-F electrode. The wheat straw cellulose carbon enhances the electrical conductivity of the composite and maintain structural integrity, and at the same time, it can not only serve as a substrate for uniformly dispersing active MoS2, but also serve as a buffer to accommodate volume changes during cycling. As a negative electrode material for lithium-ion batteries, the obtained MoS2 @WSCC-F has a stable charge-discharge capacity of 1056.3 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles at a 1 C rate, a first-cycle Coulombic efficiency of 77 %, and a capacity retention rate of 80.4 %.

Value-Added Utilization of Wheat Straw: From Cellulose and Cellulose Nanofiber to All-Cellulose Nanocomposite Film.

To accelerate the high value-added usage of agricultural residue, cellulose and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were extracted from wheat straw and then formed into all-cellulose nanocomposite films. The acid–alkali method (AM) and the extraction method (EM) were respectively adopted to prepare wheat straw cellulose (WSC), and the TEMPO oxidation method was used to extract CNFs. The nanocomposite films were fabricated by dissolving WSC and adding different CNF contents of 0.0, 0.5, 1.5, and 3.0%. There was a better miscibility for the all-cellulose nanocomposite film prepared by EM (Composite-E) compared to that for the all-cellulose nanocomposite film prepared by AM (Composite-A). Composite-E also showed a better optical transparency than Composite-A. The thermal stability of the two RWSCs presented contrary results when the CNFs were added, indicating a higher thermal stability for Composite-E than for Composite-A. This should have determined the properties of the films in which Cellulose I and Cellulose II coexisted for the all-cellulose nanocomposite films, and the forming mechanism of Cellulose II and crystallinity were determined by the cellulose-extracting method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy also showed that there was more Cellulose I in Composite-E than in Composite-A. The results are expected to enrich the data for deep processing of agricultural residues.

Co-hydrothermal carbonization of cellulose, hemicellulose, and protein with aqueous phase recirculation: Insight into the reaction mechanisms on hydrochar formation

Co-hydrothermal carbonization (Co-HTC) coupled with aqueous phase (AP) recirculation has huge potential to improve hydrochar production. In this study, three model compounds, namely wheat straw cellulose (cellulose, Ce), xylan (hemicellulose, He), and soya-protein (protein, Pr), were processed by HTC individually or Co-HTC in combination, with or without AP recirculation. Hydrochar formation behavior was investigated through analysis of hydrochar and AP by elemental analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Pyrolyzer-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS), GC-MS, and a series of other characterizations. Elemental compositions reveal that both Co-HTC and AP recirculation promoted hydrochar formation and reduction of oxygen in hydrochar, and the combination promoted these effects. Furthermore, XPS and Py-GC-MS results show that the building blocks of hydrochar were oxygenated compounds from Ce and He such as furans and furfurals, and nitrogen-containing compounds from Pr such as amino acids and N-heterocycles. Subsequently, hydrochar formation mechanisms were proposed by results from GC-MS analysis of AP and the above observations. The major mechanisms account for enhanced hydrochar formation during Co-HTC with AP recirculation were Maillard reaction occurred between amino acids and saccharides, catalytical effects (mainly on Maillard reaction) from acids in the recycling AP, and the repolymerization or condensation of accumulated compounds in AP.

Degradation of pretreated agroforestry residues by selected micromycetes

Nowadays, there are huge amounts of lignocellulosic materials left in agroforestry practice, which can be transformed into useful products. Biomass exploitation could be aiming not only at replacing conventional energy sources but also at preserving biodiversity and natural ecosystems. Five micromycetes were studied with goal to determine their potential to produce active cellulases as well as the ability to decompose pretreated wheat straw and oak sawdust after seven days of solid-state fermentation. Wheat straw was better lignocellulosic substrate than oak sawdust for the production of cellulases in all five micromycetes. Thus, Penicillium solitum BEOFB 1190m has shown to be the best producer of highly active forms of xylanases (7532.36 ? 89.37 U/L). The most active endo- and exocellulases (2299.70 ? 72.17 U/L and 195.66 ? 4.64 U/L, respectively) were produced by Trichoderma harzianum BEOFB 1230m, while the maximal value of ?-glucosidase activity (215.69 ? 3.13 U/L) was detected after Fusarium graminearum BEOFB 820m cultivation. T. harzianum also showed high efficiency in wheat straw cellulose and hemicellulose depolymerization (23.90% and 33.00%, respectively), which resulted in the highest dry matter loss (36.25%). The results of the study showed great potential of tested micromycetes to synthesize cellulolytic enzymes and consequently transform abundant, low-cost plant residues such as wheat straw into useful products including biofuel.

Sensing and annihilation of ultra-trace level arsenic (III) using fluoranthene decorated fluorescent nanofibrous cellulose probe

Besides presence of heavy metals, especially arsenic in water bodies, northern India is striving to obliterate crop residue, which is otherwise burnt to make the fields ready for subsequent crop, causing acute air pollution. Through this study, an effort has been made to utilize wheat-straw cellulose to develop inexpensive and efficacious sensing cum annihilation system for deleterious arsenite ions As(III) in water by grafting a novel fluorophore, 3-bromofluoranthene on cellulose (BF@CFs). BF@CFs were characterized for structural, morphological and thermal properties using FTIR, XRD, TGA, FESEM, EDS and TEM, which confirmed the successful insertion of fluoranthene molecule on cellulose while preserving its crystalline nanofibrous structure. Fluorescent studies indicated strong affinity of BF@CFs towards arsenite ions exhibiting “turn on” fluorescence response attributed to inhibition of photo induced electron transfer (PET) and metal ion chelation with a limit of detection of 2.8 ng L−1, lower than WHO prescribed limit of 10 μg L−1. Besides sensing, the porous fibrous network of BF@CFs exhibited good adsorption of As(III) ions with maximum adsorption of 171.2 μg g−1 at 35 min under optimized conditions. BF@CFs displayed 95.2% removal efficiency with 2 μg L−1 concentration of As (III) ions at room temperature and neutral pH observed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer coupled with hydride generation assembly (HG-AAS) measurements. BF@CFs retained adsorption 97.3% efficiency after five adsorption/ desorption cycles displaying excellent reusability and stability, strengthening its potential as dual functional sensor and adsorbent.

Wheat straw cellulose based fluorescent probe cum bioadsorbents for selective and sensitive alleviation of uranium(VI) in waste water

Twin functional ecofriendly fluorescent probe and bioadsorbents were fabricated from wheat straw (WS) for detection and alleviation of hazardous uranyl ions from wastewater. Cellulose nanofibers (CFs) were isolated from WS using alkaline steam explosion and were converted into cellulose dialdehyde (DCF) via selective oxidation followed by conversion to Fluorescent Schiff base cellulose fibres (FSCF) by condensation with L-Arginine, a natural amino acid. Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX) and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) established formation of Schiff base evenly on CFs yielding robust, crystalline and thermally stable fibrous bioadsorbents. FCSF exhibited affinity for uranyl ions in presence of competing ions and linear increase in fluorescent intensity with concentration at 561 nm when excited at 279 nm in DMF with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 8.09 μM and binding constant of 10 M−1 m3. Under optimised conditions, adsorption studies revealed suitability of Pseudo-second order kinetics with maximum adsorption capacity of 192.7 mg g−1 and Langmuir isotherm confirming chemisorption of U(VI) ions. FSCF exhibited 97% adsorption efficiency after 5 cycles when tested for reusability. The results demonstrated potential application of FSCF for probing and removal of uranyl ions from wastewater.

Simultaneous isolation of cellulose and lignin from wheat straw and catalytic conversion to valuable chemical products

Convertible cellulose and lignin were simultaneously isolated from wheat straw using a two-stage process via simply varying temperature and H2SO4 concentration. At the first-stage, cellulose was obtained by pretreating wheat straw at lower temperature and acid concentration using an organosolv process. The purity, yield and recovery rate of cellulose reached 86.8 wt%, 55.2 and 92.8% at 150 °C with 1 wt% H2SO4. At the second stage, the residual liquid was further treated at higher temperature and acid concentration, giving 17.4% lignin yield with 86.6% recovery rate and 93.2 wt% purity at 180 °C with 1.5 wt% H2SO4. The conversion of the as-isolated cellulose and lignin into chemicals was further investigated. The total yield of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and glucose derived from wheat straw cellulose reached 82.5%, and 18.3% yield of monophenolic compounds from lignin were obtained, respectively. These results indicated that the two-stage process was effective for obtaining high-quality cellulose and lignin from wheat straw. Both of them displayed excellent convertible property.

Microwave-Assisted Hydrolysis of Cellulose in Towel and Wheat Straw Using Freeze-Thawing with NaOH

The aim of this study was to produce a high yield of direct hydrolysis of glucose from a cotton towel and wheat straw by microwave-assisted (MW) treatment. To this effect, a freeze-thawing with 3% NaOH was added before MW treatment. Multiple MW parameters were tested. For the towel, the highest glucose yield of 42.4% based on freeze-thawing with 3% NaOH-treated sample was observed after MW treatment at 200 °C for 30 s with 2% sulfuric acid as a catalyst. This corresponded to a 44.4% yield based on the cellulose content of treated samples, which was 1.3-fold higher than that of samples treated only by MW at 200 °C for 7 min with 1% sulfuric acid as a catalyst (maximum glucose yield in our previous report). For wheat straw, the highest glucose yield of 27.0% based on freeze-thawing with 3% NaOH-treated sample, and 41.9% based on the treated sample cellulose content were observed after MW treatment at 200 °C for 3 min with 0.5% sulfuric acid as a catalyst. Under the optimum conditions, the glucose yield was 40.5% from raw towel and 14.7% from wheat straw. Combined severity parameter analysis revealed that the addition of freeze-thawing with NaOH before the MW treatment increased the glucose yield and reduced the severity of the treatment conditions. In conclusion, freeze-thawing using 3% NaOH before MW treatment is effective for the direct hydrolysis of glucose from towels and wheat straw.

Comparative study of synthesis of cellulose propionate from different sources using NIS as a new catalyst

Propylation of cellulose from different sources with propionic anhydride using N-iodosuccinimide (NIS) under solvent-free condition was tested. It was done in the presence of NIS as a new catalyst for propylation using three different amounts of catalyst under mild reaction conditions. The degree of substitution by propionate was experimentally calculated and confirmed by FTIR and 1H NMR analyses. The propylation yields varied from 71.54 to 88.37% with the degree of substitution (DS) ranged from 1.32 to 2.80 for commercial cotton cellulose, 1.76–3.00 for rice husk cellulose, and 1.60–3.0 for wheat straw cellulose. The DS were easily controlled by changing the reaction duration (2–6 h) and the amount of the NIS catalyst (50, 75, and 100 mg for each 1.0 g of cellulose) in 25 mL of propionic anhydride. Prolonging the reaction’s duration has no favorable effect on the propylation process and led to decrease in the cellulose propionate (CP). Also, increasing the amount of NIS catalyst results in decrease the DS and CP yield. NIS was recognized as a novel and more successful catalyst for propylation of the hydroxyl groups of cellulose from different sources in high degree of substitution.

Effect of Ultrafine Grinding Pretreatment on the Cellulose Fibers and Nanocrystals from Wheat Straw

To investigate the effect of ultrafine grinding pretreatment on the isolation of wheat straw cellulose fibers and nanocrystals, wheat straw at cellular scale (50–30 m) were produced with different ultrafine grinding time prior to extract cellulose fibers and nanocrystals. Cellulose fibers were obtained by 4% sodium hydroxide and alkaline hydrogen peroxide treatment from ultrafine ground wheat straw. Morphological changes were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed the removal of non-cellulosic components and the rearrangement of hydrogen bonds in cellulose. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the decrease of crystalline index with grinding time prolonged and the formation of cellulose II in alkali treated 8.0 h ultrafine ground wheat straw. Cellulose nanocrystals were produced from these cellulose fibers using 64% sulfuric acid hydrolysis treatment. Morphological examination through atomic force microscope (AFM) showed that the length of rod-like CNCs decreased with prolonged ultrafine grinding time in 2.0 h and then increased due to the formation of cellulose II.

Magnetic hydrogel derived from wheat straw cellulose/feather protein in ionic liquids as copper nanoparticles carrier for catalytic reduction

Magnetic hydrogel derived from wheat straw cellulose (WSC) and feather protein (FP) was successfully derived from [Bmim]Cl ionic liquids for copper nanoparticles carrier to prepare magnetic hydrogel-Cu (m-WSC/FP-Cu). Morphology, structure and component of m-WSC/FP-Cu were characterized by different techniques (SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR, VSM, etc.). The activity of m-WSC/FP-Cu were evaluated by employing them as catalysts for the reduction of 2-nitrobenzoic acid (2-NA) to a useful industrial intermediates, 2-aminobenzoic acid (2-ABA). Effect of experimental conditions, including m-WSC/FP-Cu dosage, 2-NA initial concentration, NaBH4 dosage and temperature, were investigated. The m-WSC/FP-Cu exhibited maximum catalytic activity under conditions of 1.00 g m-WSC/FP-Cu, 100 mg/L 2-NA and 0.3 g NaBH4. Besides, higher activity of m-WSC/FP-Cu was obtained at higher temperature. The activity of m-WSC/FP-Cu maintained 99.02% over 5 cycles utilization and 90.60% after 30 days storage, which exhibited excellent recyclability and stability. It is expected that the m-WSC/FP-Cu have the potential for treating organic wastewater cooperated with a catalyst regeneration device.