Cellulose Nanocomposites Research Articles

Nanocellulose composites: synthesis, properties, and applications to wastewater treatment

Nanocellulose composites: synthesis, properties, and applications to wastewater treatment

A review on green materials: Exploring the potential of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and nanocellulose composites.

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and nanocellulose (NC) composite systems are promising candidates with exciting implications for sustainability, adaptability, and future uses. This research investigates the synergistic features of PVA and nanocellulose, focusing on their renewable and biodegradable nature as important contributors to sustainable material development. An overview of various processing techniques of PVA/NC composites, and their morphological, thermo-mechanical, barrier and biodegradable properties is examined, revealing its enhanced performance attributes compared to conventional materials. This review also discusses the numerous applications of PVA and nanocellulose composites in packaging, biomedical engineering, and environmental remediation. Furthermore, the discussion expands on the potential future applications of these composites, emphasizing their importance in tackling critical global concerns such as pollution reduction, resource conservation, and healthcare breakthroughs. With ongoing research focusing on functionalisation strategies and scalable production methods, PVA and nanocellulose composites are poised to revolutionize multiple sectors, offering sustainable solutions that align with the principles of circular economy and environmental stewardship. Finally, this review emphasises the enormous contributions of PVA and nanocellulose composites to sustainable material innovation, their broad applicability across industries, and their promise to shape a more resilient and environmentally friendly future.

Nanocomposite of Cellulose Nanofibers/Alumina for Effective Adsorption of Brilliant Blue and Ethyl Orange Dyes: Equilibrium, kinetic and Mechanism Studies

Our study investigated the performance of a nanocomposite prepared from TEMPO- oxidized cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and alumina (Al2O3) on two models of anionic dyes namely Brilliant blue FCF (B.B) and Ethyl orange (E.O) dyes. Here the Al2O3 was prepared using the solution combustion (SC) method. Cellulose nanofibers were prepared from local agriculture waste (bagasse) and mixed with Al2O3 nanoparticles for preparing composite films through the casting technique. Various analytical tools have been used to characterize cellulose nanofibers and cellulose nanofibers/ Al2O3 nanocomposite, including, FTIR, FE- SEM, TEM, and XRD. In the conducted batch experiments aimed at optimizing various operational factors, the study of adsorption isotherms revealed that the data closely align with the freundlich adsorption isotherm model, demonstrating multilayer adsorption. Furthermore, it was found that, the pseudo-second-order model fit the data effectively. Thus, CNF/ Al2O3 nanocomposite was found to be an active adsorbent for handling solutions containing the anionic dyes, which shows its hopeful tolerable of being a highly reusable, cost-effective sustainable and adsorbent for dyeing wastewater treatment.

Multifunctional lanthanum oxide-doped carboxymethyl cellulose nanocomposites: A promising approach for antimicrobial and targeted anticancer applications

This study presents the synthesis and characterization of lanthanum oxide (La₂O₃)-doped carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) nanocomposites via a solution casting method, designed to offer an eco-friendly, multifunctional material with significant potential in biomedical applications. Structural analysis using FTIR, XRD, and EDX confirmed successful La₂O₃ integration, with FTIR spectra indicating a distinctive LaO stretching peak at 628.2 cm−1, XRD patterns revealing enhanced crystallinity with notable peaks at 16.6°, 27.6°, and 49.8°, and EDX showing a uniform lanthanum distribution with a 10.41 mass% concentration. These enhancements in structural stability and crystalline properties underscore the composite's functional robustness. Biological assessments revealed the composite's substantial antimicrobial efficacy, demonstrating inhibition zones up to 31 mm against pathogenic strains such as E. coli, S. aureus, E. faecalis, K. pneumoniae, and C. albicans at a 15 wt% La₂O₃ concentration—surpassing conventional antimicrobial agents. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) tests supported these findings, showing MIC values as low as 7.82 μg/mL, further validating the composite's heightened antimicrobial potency compared to pure CMC. In vitro cytotoxicity assays indicated selective anticancer effects of the La₂O₃/CMC nanocomposites, with IC₅₀ values of 327.7 μg/mL and 189.8 μg/mL against PC-3 prostate and A549 lung cancer cells, respectively. Remarkably, the composite showed minimal impact on normal lung fibroblasts (Wi-38), with an IC₅₀ value of 956.8 μg/mL, emphasizing its selectivity towards cancer cells. Collectively, these results highlight the La₂O₃/CMC composite as a biocompatible and multifunctional material suitable for both antimicrobial and targeted anticancer applications, aligning with the growing demand for safe, effective biomedical solutions.

Superb energy density in biomass-based nanocomposites with ultralow loadings of nanofillers

Biomass dielectric polymers hold promise in developing renewable and biodegradable capacitive energy storage devices. However, their typical discharged energy density remains relatively low (<20 J/cm3) compared to other existing synthetic polymers derived from petroleum sources. Here a greatly enhanced discharged energy density is reported in diluted cyanoethyl cellulose (CEC) nanocomposites with inclusion of ultralow loadings (0.3%, in volume) of 30-nm-sized TiO2 nanoparticles. Owing to the interfacial polarization introduced by interface, the composite of 0.3% exhibits a large dielectric constant of 29.2 at 1 kHz, which can be described by interphase dielectric model. Meanwhile, the introduction of nanofillers facilitate the formation of deeper traps impeding electrical conduction in CEC, which results in an ultrahigh breakdown strength of 732 MV/m. As a result, a remarkable discharged energy density of 12.7 J/cm3 with a charge-discharge efficiency above 90% is achieved, exceeding current ferroelectric-based and biomass-based nanocomposites. Our work opens a novel route for scalable biomass-based dielectrics with high energy storage properties.

A review of electrical and piezoelectric properties of nanocellulose biocomposites

Abstract The increasing request for lightweight, environmentally sustainable materials with versatile functionality and strong mechanical properties is driving renewed interest in nanocellulose for electrical applications. Nanocellulose, a biologically derived polymeric nanomaterial, has seen significant growth in the global market due to advancements in nanotechnology and the increasing need for sustainable materials. This has accelerated research into the development of cellulose-based nanomaterials. However, nanocellulose on its own does not inherently possess the ability to function as a conductive material. To address this limitation, researchers have explored various modifications, such as combining nanocellulose with conductive materials or applying specific chemical treatments. These approaches have been shown to enhance the electrical conductivity of nanocellulose, making it suitable for use in electrically conductive composites. Over the past few decades, nanocellulose composites have been extensively studied for their applications in energy, electronics, biomedicine, health, and environmental sectors. Nanocellulose possesses a unique combination of exceptional properties, including biodegradability, renewability, and a distinctive fibrous structure, proving that it is the best choice for these uses. The superior electrical properties of nanocellulose-based composites, coupled with their flexibility, ease of production, and biocompatibility, make them highly desirable for various advanced technological applications. Significant advancements have been achieved by researchers in fabricating various types of nanocellulose materials and exploring their potential in nanogenerators, humidity sensors, gas sensors, and supercapacitors. The ability to modify the surface of nanocellulose and its robust properties offer numerous opportunities for creating hybrid materials within the electrical domain.

Carbon quantum dots derived from rice straw doped with N and S and its nanocomposites with hydroxypropyl cellulose nanocomposite

As biomass, rice straw (RS) is often valorized as a precursor of green products. In this respect, the RS-based carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are synthesized doped with N and S during the preparation. Synergistic doping with lipoic acid and ethylenediamine can vastly increase the yield of CQD from rice straw from 6.14 % to 62.8 %, and sulfur doping plays a more important role on the surface functional groups of the quantum dots. Further assessment is achieved toward the performance of SN-CQDs-hydroxypropyl cellulose nanocomposites. The optical behavior of synthesized SN-CQDs, and the critical concentration of its liquid crystal behaviors, at which the anisotropic phase begins to emerge, is approximately 1 %. Incorporating it into HPC, especially at 5 %, provided nanocomposite films with effective liquid crystal, tensile strength, and thermal stability. This sample's texture reveals a planar structure with colors ranging from yellow to red. The synergistic effect of incorporating SN-CQDs is shown by improving the strength to ~282.1 %, and the activation energy increased from 583.6 kJ.mol−1 to 615.1 kJ/mol. HPC-SN-CQDs can be assembled into an LED device, emitting warm light, of which CIE coordinate is (0.34,0.43).

Facile one-pot synthesis and characterization of ZnSe/HPMC nanocomposites

Herein, we report the facile synthesis of ZnSe/HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose) nanocomposites by in-situ method. The biodegradable HPMC polymer acts as capping molecule as well as polymer matrix. The optical and structural properties of ZnSe/HPMC nanocomposites were studied by optical absorption, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD and TEM measurements. Size of the ZnSe nanoparticles was tuned by controlling the pH of the reaction. As prepared ZnSe nanoparticles were spherical in shape, homogeneously distributed in the polymer and XRD patterns exhibit face centred cubic phase. The present method is a novel approach for the synthesis of ZnSe nanoparticles using HPMC as a capping molecule as well as matrix to develop nanocomposite.

Synthesis of highly porous ferric hydroxide-bacterial cellulose nanocomposites via in-situ mineralization for efficient glyphosate removal

Synthesis of highly porous ferric hydroxide-bacterial cellulose nanocomposites via in-situ mineralization for efficient glyphosate removal

Antimicrobial assay and controlled drug release studies with novel eugenol imprinted p(HEMA)-bacterial cellulose nanocomposite, designed for biomedical applications

In this study, a novel bio-composite material that allow sustained release of plant derived antimicrobial compound was developed for the biomedical applications to prevent the infections caused by microorganisms resistant to commercial antimicrobials agents. With this aim, bacterial cellulose (BC)-p(HEMA) nanocomposite film that imprinted with eugenol (EU) via metal chelated monomer, MAH was prepared. Firstly, characterization studies were utilized by FTIR, SEM and BET analysis. Then antimicrobial assays, drug release studies and in vitro cytotoxicity test were performed. A significant antimicrobial effect against both Gram (+) Staphylococcus aureus and Gram (-) Escherichia coli bacteria and a yeast Candida albicans were observed even in low exposure time periods. When antimicrobial effect of EU compared with commercially used agents, both antifungal and antibacterial activity of EU were found to be higher. Then, sustained drug release studies showed that approximately 55% of EU was released up to 50 h. This result proved the achievement of the molecular imprinting for an immobilization of molecules that desired to release on an area in a long-time interval. Finally, the in vitro cytotoxicity experiment performed with the mouse L929 cell line determined that the synthesized EU-imprinted BC nanocomposite was biocompatible.

Harnessing photocurrent enhancement in silver-bacterial cellulose nanocomposite for ultra-sensitive Hg2+ electrochemical detection

Global health and ecosystem concerns over mercury pollution require stringent monitoring. Herein, we showcase a novel approach for detecting trace Hg2+ ions in water using cyclic voltammetry (CV). Our approach involves modifying glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and screen printed electrode (SPE) surfaces with a nanocomposite of ascorbic acid-capped silver nanoparticles (AsAgNPs) embedded in nanocrystalline bacterial cellulose (AsAgNP-NBC). Analytical techniques confirmed the nanocomposite’s stability and morphological characteristics, exhibiting high accuracy within a linear range of 10 nM to 1 µM Hg2+ and a low limit of detection (LOD) of 3.531 nM. Additionally, on irradiation with 455 nm light source, AsAgNP-NBC modified SPE displayed a remarkable 9.6 times enhanced photocurrent, achieving an LOD of 3.95 pM, and enhanced photoresponsivity of 55.2 mA W−1, showcasing its potential for ultra-trace level detection. This cost-effective and biocompatible nanocomposite presents a promising alternative to conventional analytical methods for selective detection of trace Hg2+ ions in environmental samples.

Synthesis and properties of transparent PMMA/cellulose nanocomposites prepared by in situ polymerization in green solvent

AbstractIn order to contribute to the demanded sustainability transparent poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composites with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) up to high shares of 50 wt% were prepared by in situ radical polymerization in green solvent Cyrene. The weight average molecular weights of PMMA were in the range from 144,000 to 160,000 g mol−1 and the dispersity was in the range of 1.49 to 1.89 with high conversion of monomer to polymer. The DSC thermal analysis showed that the glass transition temperature of pure PMMA was at 99°C while in composites increased from 103°C up to 129°C with the increase of CNC from 1 wt% to 50 wt%. TGA shows that the addition of CNC does not have a significant effect on the thermal stability of PMMA. In composites Young's modulus increases with the increasing CNC ratio and composites with 50 wt% of CNC showed more than twice the modulus of the PMMA matrix. The SEM images indicate uniform distribution of CNC in polymer matrix. The transparent and semitransparent PMMA/cellulose composites of improved sustainability with higher modulus of elasticity and glass transition temperature can be used as lightweight materials for a wide range of technical and everyday applications as well as optical lenses or acoustic lenses for ultrasound transducers and other devices.Highlights Cellulose nanocrystals/PMMA composites fabricated by a green in situ process. Synthesized PMMA matrices have high molecular weights. Improved elastic modulus and glass transition temperature were achieved. Prioritizing eco‐friendly chemicals for a greener production approach.

Nano-ZnO-Decorated lotus fibers for nonvolatile memristors

Electronic devices incorporating green materials offer a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative, harnessing the unique properties of natural substances to contribute to a more eco-conscious and biodegradable technological landscape. This study extracts cellulose fibers from lotus petiole and decorates them with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. The hybrid ZnO and cellulose (ZC) nanocomposite was used as a switching layer in the RRAM structure. The ZC thin film-based device displayed non-volatile bipolar behavior, whereas the device based on pure cellulose exhibited volatile behavior. This ZC-based device had significant enhancements, including a low operating voltage range of 2.0 V, a high ON/OFF resistance ratio of 103, endurance of 102 cycles, and an excellent retention time of 104 s. Oxygen vacancies, explored by PL and XPS results, are the most dominant in ZnO particles, indicating a substantial effect on the non-volatile characteristic in the Ag/ZC/FTO device. These results demonstrate that the lotus petiole cellulose-ZnO nanocomposite is a promising material for developing eco-friendly and low-cost memory devices.

Preparation and Application of Responsive Nanocellulose Composites.

Cellulose nanofibrils/poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide) semi-interpenetrating networks (MMCNF-PNAs) were synthesized using an in situ fabrication (semi-IPN). The polymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) (free radical) was conducted in the presence of magnetic modified cellulose nanofibrils (MMCNFs). The adsorption behaviors and surface morphology of the synthesized adsorbents were investigated systematically. The adsorption behaviors of the as-prepared MMCNF-PNA towards methylene blue (MB, as the model contaminant) dye was studied, and the optimal adsorption conditions were also studied. The adsorption processes could be well fitted using pseudo-second-order and Elovich kinetic models. Meanwhile, Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were used to fit the adsorption which occurred at 25, 37 and 65 °C. The corresponding results showed that the Freundlich isotherm model fitted the adsorption process better, indicating that the dye's adsorption happened via heterogeneous adsorptive energies on the prepared MMCNF-PNAs. Their desorption and reusability were also studied to verify magnetic responsivity. To sum up, MMCNF-PNAs are promising magnetic and thermal stimuli-responsive adsorbents, showing a controlled adsorption/desorption process.

Fabrication and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticle-Doped Chitosan/Carboxymethyl Cellulose Nanocomposites for Optoelectronic and Biological Applications.

The synthesis of nanoparticles using environmentally friendly methods for applications in fields such as food packaging and biomedicine has been gaining increasing attention. Organic-inorganic nanostructures offer opportunities to create innovative materials suitable for use in optoelectronics and biological applications. In this study, we focused on producing nanocomposite films by blending carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and chitosan (CS) polymers in equal proportions (50/50 wt %) and adding silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) through a solution casting process. Our objective was to examine how the introduction of Ag NPs influenced the structural, optical, mechanical, electrical, and antibacterial properties of the virgin CMC/CS composites. XRD patterns of the prepared samples indicated the presence of crystalline Ag phases within the CMC/CS blend. FT-IR spectroscopy showed the primary vibrational peaks associated with CMC and CS, which exhibited reduced intensity after the addition of Ag NPs. The UV absorption of the nanocomposites exhibited a gradual increase and a shift toward longer wavelengths. The electrical properties are enhanced with higher concentrations of Ag NPs. An increase in the content of Ag NPs resulted in a corresponding enhancement of antibacterial activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The CMC/CS-Ag-doped films demonstrated significant enhancements in Young's modulus (Y), tensile stress (σt), and elongation at break (εB). These findings suggest that these nanocomposite films hold promise for potential applications in optoelectronics and biological fields.

Deep insight into physical properties of carboxymethyl cellulose-barium oxide nanocomposites

Nanocomposites, blending the unique properties of inorganic nanoparticles with polymers, are gaining momentum in various industries. This study delves into the synthesis and characterization of barium oxide (BaO)-doped carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) nanocomposites, focusing on their structural, optical, electrical, and dielectric properties. Using an in-situ polymerization method, CMC films were doped with 5 % and 10 % BaO nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the doped samples exhibited enhanced crystallinity compared to pure CMC, with crystallinity percentages measured at 37.95 % and 28.86 % for 5 % and 10 % BaO, respectively, indicating the successful incorporation of BaO. Scanning electron microscopy illustrated the distribution of BaO nanoparticles, showing spherical agglomerations on the film surface. SEM analysis reveals emergence of spherical agglomerations and bright spots on nanocomposite film surface upon BaO introduction, indicating BaO nanoparticles presence. Further, the BaO nanoparticles act as catalytic and nucleating agents, influencing crystalline structure nucleation and growth, potentially enhancing film homogeneity and structural integrity. In addition, UV–visible spectroscopy elucidated the optical properties, indicating a shift in the bandgap from indirect to direct with BaO addition. The bandgap values decrease upon the addition of BaO, indicating a transition from an amorphous to a nanocrystalline structure, with respective reduction percentages of 22.73 % and 10.71 % for the 5%BaO/CMC and 10 %BaO/CMC samples compared to CMC. Electrical conductivity measurements showed enhanced conductivity in 10 % BaO/CMC due to improved charge carrier mobility, supported by dielectric studies demonstrating increased dielectric. The introduction of 5 % and 10 % BaO resulted in reductions of approximately 62.06 % and 65.77 %, respectively, compared to the pure CMC sample. This decrease in dielectric loss indicates an enhancement in the electrical properties of the nanocomposites. This comprehensive investigation could give further insights into the different properties of BaO-doped CMC nanocomposites, offering insights into their potential applications in various fields such as electronics, energy storage, and optoelectronics.

Large-area, high-strength cellulose nanocomposites enhanced by confined polymer nanocrystallization in Bouligand structures

Large-area, high-strength cellulose nanocomposites enhanced by confined polymer nanocrystallization in Bouligand structures

Enhancing Current Density and Specific Capacitance through Tensile TEMPO, Bacterial Cellulose and Polypirrole Nanocomposites

The researchers developed a bio-composite film material that serves as a substitute for metal. The materials used are TEMPO ((2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl)), Bacterial Cellulose, and Polypyrrole (Ppy). This research aimed to increase the material's current density and specific capacitance values using the drawing method. Composite nanomaterials are made by oxidizing BC (Bacterial Cellulose) with TEMPO. The resulting TOBC (TEMPO Bacterial Cellulose) material was mixed with Ppy using the in situ method. The mixture is then drawn wet—measurement of current density and capacitance using Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) Testing. The current density and specific capacitance results increased by 542.74% and 754.79% after drawing the nanocomposite material. It is directly proportional to the effects of characteristic testing, which includes SEM, XRD, and FTIR. As a result of the withdrawal of the polypyrrole, it will be more evenly distributed in the composite material, absorbing and coating the nata de coco. The researchers concluded that when the TOBC/Ppy fibers are straighter and denser, they achieve higher current density and capacitance values.

Nanocellulose as an Ecofriendly Source in Nanoscience: Synthesis, Characterization, Properties, and Applications—A Review

AbstractNanocellulose is a promising future material which has got attention due to its unique characteristics. Properties which make nanocellulose special are the eco‐friendliness, high strength, stiffness, renewability, abundance, tunable surface characteristics, and low weight. This review addresses major factors like processing of nanocellulose, modification, properties, preparation of nanocomposites from nanocellulose, and their application in different fields. This review facilitates the selection of biomass sources, processing techniques for NC synthesis, application, and challenges. This review also emphasizes on different applications of nanocellulose reinforced polymer composites in different areas such as biomedical, packaging, electronic and environmental remediation, etc. Recent developments in the processing of cellulose nanocomposites using solution casting and other complex methods have been highlighted. As an emerging functional polymeric material, nanocellulose has become a research hotspot. The importance of nanocellulose in future includes the design of nanocellulose as per the specific user requirements, reduction of the production cost, and making customized products using nanocellulose using green processing. Hence this review is intended to provide new insights into the field of eco‐friendly fundamental materials with in‐depth perspectives and current research trends in its future applications.

A multifunctional cellulose nanocomposite with targeted fluorescence imaging and photothermal effects on breast cancer cells

A multifunctional cellulose nanocomposite with targeted fluorescence imaging and photothermal effects on breast cancer cells