Properties Of Nanocellulose Research Articles

Nanocellulose/metal-organic frameworks composites for advanced energy storage of electrodes and separators

Nanocellulose is widely utilized in various fields due to its high surface area, excellent mechanical strength, and environmental friendliness. However, nanocellulose is an insulating material with typically low electrical conductivity. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are appealing because of their huge specific surface areas, highly flexible pore size and porosity, diverse topological structure, changeable surface chemistry, and good chemical and thermal strength. The high porosity and surface area, good electrical conductivity, excellent mechanical strength, and flexibility of nanocellulose/MOF composites (NC/MOFs) make it a promising material for energy storage. This paper provides a review of the synthesis and application of NC/MOFs for energy storage of electrodes and separators. It presents the physical and chemical properties of nanocellulose and MOF. Particularly, two preparation strategies for NC/MOFs, the in-situ synthesis method and the ex-situ blending method, are introduced. Then the applications of NC/MOFs in energy storage of electrodes and separators are delivered, including supercapacitors, lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, and others. Finally, the challenges and prospects of NC/MOFs for energy storage are addressed.

Molecular dynamics simulation of nanocellulose and cement matrix composites

The interfacial properties of nanocellulose and cement matrix are the key factors affecting the mechanical properties of composite materials. However, it is challenging to study the interface combination through conventional experiments and microscopic characterization techniques. Molecular dynamics simulation (MD), as a nanoscale analytical method, can be used to calculate and analyze the strength, deformation, destruction and interfacial interaction of materials on the atomic scale. Since the existing methods of C-S-H modeling and fiber pull-out from the matrix in molecular dynamics simulations were not suitable for cellulose/C-S-H composite models. In this paper, a molecular dynamics simulation method for nanocellulose cement matrix composites was proposed. Based on the embedded composite model, the tensile stress-strain, interfacial interaction energy, hydrogen bond, and interface failure mode were studied when cellulose was pulled out of the matrix. The results showed that adding cellulose could improve the local ductility and tensile strength of cement matrix materials. The interfacial interaction energy between cellulose and C-S-H was approximately −1.09 J/m2, which was much higher than that between carbon nanotubes and C-S-H. Cellulose would adsorb hydrogen and oxygen atoms on H2O, OH− and silica tetrahedron in C-S-H. In the pull-out simulation of cellulose in C-S-H, C-S-H on the surface of cellulose would be destroyed and attached to the cellulose surface and moved along with it, indicating that cellulose could play a good bridging role in the matrix. The simulation results revealed the action mechanism of cellulose in cement matrix materials.

Novel Acryloylated and Methacryloylated Nanocellulose Derivatives with Improved Mucoadhesive Properties.

In this work, three nanocellulose derivatives are synthesized with the aim of preparing new mucoadhesive materials. Nanocellulose is reacted with glycidyl methacrylate in dimethylsulphoxide, and with acryloyl and methacryloyl chloride in dimethylacetamide in the presence of 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)pyridine as a catalyst. These reactions are carried out under heterogeneous conditions, and the reaction products are characterized using various spectroscopic techniques, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The Fourier-transform infrared spectra showed all the characteristic absorption bands typical for cellulose and also new peaks at 1720cm-1 for the carbonyl group (C═O) and 1639, 812cm-1 for the double bond (C═C). It is established that the crystal structure of the nanocellulose is slightly changed with derivatisation and the thermal stability of these derivatives increased. Mucoadhesive properties of nanocellulose and its derivatives is evaluated using the tensile test, rotating basket method, and fluorescence flow-through method. The retention of these polymers is evaluated on sheep oral mucosal tissue ex vivo using artificial saliva. Test results demonstrated that the new derivatives of nanocellulose have improved mucoadhesive properties compared to the parent nanocellulose.

Dried nanocellulose/xanthan as reinforcing fillers in thermoplastic starch

Nanocellulose fibres are known to enhance the mechanical properties of biopolymers when added as a filler. Nanocellulose irreversibly agglomerates upon drying and is therefore sold as an aqueous gel or suspension, increasing shipping cost and limiting application. This work studied the utility of xanthan gum as a dispersant aid for dried nanocellulose fibres. At levels as low as 15% xanthan gum addition, based on the mass of nanocellulose, prior to drying, agglomeration was significantly decreased. Mild shear rates could disperse the dried nanocellulose to a similar degree as ultrasonication when xanthan gum was present. Several complementary techniques, such as rheology, turbidimetry, and SEM- and TEM-imaging, proved that the native nanocellulose properties could be recovered after drying. Xanthan gum and nanocellulose, when incorporated into thermoplastic starch, showed a synergistic effect regarding the increase in tensile strength of the resultant biopolymer film. The addition of previously dried nanocellulose/xanthan, in a 4:1 ratio, to thermoplastic starch at a starch-cellulose ratio of 20:1, increased the tensile strength from 5.4 to 23.0 MPa. The ability to produce a dispersible and dry nanocellulose product that retains its properties has clear commercial benefits.

Nanocellulose: A sustainable functional construct for the remediation of heavy metal ions from water

Heavy metals are considered to be a significant pollutant in water bodies, adversely affecting human health by causing various severe diseases after passing down the food chain. The rise in environmental problems due to the usage of non – biodegradable materials leads to the necessity of eco–friendly materials. The abundant and eco-friendly nature of the nanocellulose makes them promising substitutes for non-sustainable materials, nowadays. It is also possible to find the chemical components (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) present in a source and the cellulose yield. In this context, nanocellulose has gained considerable attention among nanomaterials as a promising candidate for the adsorption of toxic heavy metal ions because of its large surface area, light weight, low cost, biocompatible nature, etc. Moreover, the numerous surface hydroxyl groups present in its surface make them suitable for the wide range of surface functionalization with different groups. They can thus be used individually or in combination with other materials for excellent adsorption towards various toxic heavy metal ions. The state of research on modified nanocellulose as an adsorbent for heavy metals is principally discussed in this review. Mainly two types of plant-based nanocelluloses; cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), are discussed in detail in this review. The extraction of nanocellulose via a green approach was also covered. This review comprises comprehensive details on the modifications and other relevant properties of nanocellulose which would facilitate the adsorption of toxic heavy metals.

Targeting Bacterial Nanocellulose Properties through Tailored Downstream Techniques.

Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is a biodegradable polysaccharide with unique properties that make it an attractive material for various industrial applications. This study focuses on the strain Komagataeibacter medellinensis ID13488, a strain with the ability to produce high yields of BNC under acidic growth conditions and a promising candidate to use for industrial production of BNC. We conducted a comprehensive investigation into the effects of downstream treatments on the structural and mechanical characteristics of BNC. When compared to alkaline-treated BNC, autoclave-treated BNC exhibited around 78% superior flexibility in average, while it displayed nearly 40% lower stiffness on average. An SEM analysis revealed distinct surface characteristics, indicating differences in cellulose chain compaction. FTIR spectra demonstrated increased hydrogen bonding with prolonged interaction time with alkaline solutions. A thermal analysis showed enhanced thermal stability in alkaline-treated BNC, withstanding temperatures of nearly 300 °C before commencing degradation, compared to autoclaved BNC which starts degradation around 200 °C. These findings provide valuable insights for tailoring BNC properties for specific applications, particularly in industries requiring high purity and specific mechanical characteristics.

Biotechnological innovations in nanocellulose production from waste biomass with a focus on pineapple waste

New materials’ synthesis and utilization have shown many critical challenges in healthcare and other industrial sectors as most of these materials are directly or indirectly developed from fossil fuel resources. Environmental regulations and sustainability concepts have promoted the use of natural compounds with unique structures and properties that can be biodegradable, biocompatible, and eco-friendly. In this context, nanocellulose (NC) utility in different sectors and industries is reported due to their unique properties including biocompatibility and antimicrobial characteristics. The bacterial nanocellulose (BNC)-based materials have been synthesized by bacterial cells and extracted from plant waste materials including pineapple plant waste biomass. These materials have been utilized in the form of nanofibers and nanocrystals. These materials are found to have excellent surface properties, low density, and good transparency, and are rich in hydroxyl groups for their modifications to other useful products. These materials are well utilized in different sectors including biomedical or health care centres, nanocomposite materials, supercapacitors, and polymer matrix production. This review explores different approaches for NC production from pineapple waste residues using biotechnological interventions, approaches for their modification, and wider applications in different sectors. Recent technological developments in NC production by enzymatic treatment are critically discussed. The utilization of pineapple waste-derived NC from a bioeconomic perspective is summarized in the paper. The chemical composition and properties of nanocellulose extracted from pineapple waste may have unique characteristics compared to other sources. Pineapple waste for nanocellulose production aligns with the principles of sustainability, waste reduction, and innovation, making it a promising and novel approach in the field of nanocellulose materials.

Chemical structure–property relationships in nanocelluloses

AbstractNanocelluloses, nanoscale cellulosic particles or fibrils, are an appealing class of nanomaterials with enormous potential for sustainable development. They have great promise to target some of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals outlined by the United Nations. Nanocelluloses are derived from the most abundant biopolymer in the world, cellulose, which have multiple hydroxyl groups on their surface, enabling a vast range of chemical modifications. The interplay between the chemical structure and physicochemical properties of nanocelluloses is crucial to engineering the next generation of green, functional nanomaterials. In this review paper, we provide a comprehensive account of the structure–property relationships in nanocelluloses, which may establish the basis for the design of precision bio‐based materials. Chemical modifications of nanocelluloses, including hydrolysis, oxidation, esterification, amidation, and polymer grafting, provide an array of chemical and physical properties that open opportunities in a diverse spectrum of applications. We review how chemical modifications affect the physicochemical properties of nanocelluloses, such as thermal stability, hydrophobicity, and dispersibility in nonpolar media. Understanding nanocellulose chemical structure–property relationships is integral to the development of sustainable material platforms based on the most renewable biopolymer on earth.

Enzyme-assisted production of cellulose nanofibers from bleached and bleached/sulfonated sugarcane bagasse: impact of sulfonation on nanocellulose properties and yields

Enzyme-assisted production of cellulose nanofibers from bleached and bleached/sulfonated sugarcane bagasse: impact of sulfonation on nanocellulose properties and yields

The Critical Roles of Water in the Processing, Structure, and Properties of Nanocellulose.

The cellulose industry depends heavily on water owing to the hydrophilic nature of cellulose fibrils and its potential for sustainable and innovative production methods. The emergence of nanocellulose, with its excellent properties, and the incorporation of nanomaterials have garnered significant attention. At the nanoscale level, nanocellulose offers a higher exposure of hydroxyl groups, making it more intimate with water than micro- and macroscale cellulose fibers. Gaining a deeper understanding of the interaction between nanocellulose and water holds the potential to reduce production costs and provide valuable insights into designing functional nanocellulose-based materials. In this review, water molecules interacting with nanocellulose are classified into free water (FW) and bound water (BW), based on their interaction forces with surface hydroxyls and their mobility in different states. In addition, the water-holding capacity of cellulosic materials and various water detection methods are also discussed. The review also examines water-utilization and water-removal methods in the fabrication, dispersion, and transport of nanocellulose, aiming to elucidate the challenges and tradeoffs in these processes while minimizing energy and time costs. Furthermore, the influence of water on nanocellulose properties, including mechanical properties, ion conductivity, and biodegradability, are discussed. Finally, we provide our perspective on the challenges and opportunities in developing nanocellulose and its interplay with water.

New fluorescent Schiff base modified nanocellulose-based chemosensors for the selective detection of Fe3+, Zn2+ and Cu2+ in semi-aqueous media and application in seawater sample

Stimulus-responsive fluorescent-modified biopolymers have received significant attention in the field of chemosensors. Herein, four new fluorescent dyes, namely, S1: (PDA-DANC), S2: (SAL-PDA-DANC), S3: (BrSAL-PDA-DANC) and S4: (ClSAL-PDA-DANC) have been successfully synthesized from 2,3-dialdehyde nanocellulose (DANC) for the detection of heavy metals. The microstructural and photophysical properties of nanocellulose (NC), microcrystalline cellulose (DANC) and the synthesized S1 to S4 dyes were investigated by FT-IR, SEM-EDX, XRD, TGA, DLS and photoluminescence. NC, obtained from conversion of MCC, shows an average size of 802.4 nm with 0.141 of polydispersity index (PdI), and a crystalline index (CI) of 82.40 % and crystallite size of 4.68 nm. The synthesized dyes present good fluorescent properties and have been therefore exploited for developing new probes for heavy metal ions detection. Remarkable “turn off” and/or “turn on” behaviors with Fe3+ and Cu2+ and with Zn2+ in DMF/water solution have been demonstrated, allowing the sensitive and selective determination of these heavy metal ions with a low limit of detection (LOD). Finally, the evaluation of the Fe3+ sensing in a real seawater sample was investigated.

Physicochemical Characterization of Acid-Treated Nanocrystal Cellulose and Amorphous Cellulose from Bamboo Sawdust

ABSTRACT The major by-product of bambooworking (i.e. making items from bamboo) is bamboo sawdust, which is a waste product from bambooworking operations and can cause human health hazards. Specifically, this experimental research investigates the effects of acid treatment methods on the physicochemical characteristics of nanocellulose fibers from bamboo sawdust. The experimental acid treatment methods are sulfuric acid hydrolysis for bamboo fiber nanocrystal cellulose (BBF-NCC) and sulfuric acid dissolution for bamboo fiber amorphous cellulose (BBF-AC). The physicochemical properties of nanocellulose from bamboo sawdust include the crystalline structure, morphology, and colloidal stability. The experimental results indicate that BBF-NCC possesses a higher crystallinity index (89.5%), in comparison with 35.4% for BBF-AC. The BBF-NCC is of rod shape with 10 nm in diameter and 50–100 nm in length, while BBF-AC coalesces into clusters of varying sizes. In addition, BBF-NCC possesses higher colloidal stability than BBF-AC, as indicated by a zeta potential of −30.93 mV for BBF-NCC, compared with −19.73 mV for BBF-AC. Essentially, this research is the first to experimentally convert bamboo sawdust into cellulose nanofibers as an eco-friendly and economically viable solution to the waste problem from the bamboomaking industry. Moreover, BBF-NCC and BBF-AC could potentially be adopted as a reinforcing agent in biocomposites or as a carrying agent in multiple applications.

Nanocellulose from Cocoa Shell in Pickering Emulsions of Cocoa Butter in Water: Effect of Isolation and Concentration on Its Stability and Rheological Properties.

There is a growing interest in developing new strategies to completely or partially replace cocoa butter in food and cosmetic products due to its cost and health effects. One of these alternatives is to develop stable emulsions of cocoa butter in water. However, incorporating cocoa butter is challenging as it solidifies and forms crystals, destabilizing the emulsion through arrested coalescence. Prevention against this destabilization mechanism is significantly lower than against coalescence. In this research, the rheological properties of nanocellulose from cocoa shell, a by-product of the chocolate industry, were controlled through isolation treatments to produce nanocellulose with a higher degree of polymerization (DP) and a stronger three-dimensional network. This nanocellulose was used at concentrations of 0.7 and 1.0 wt %, to develop cocoa butter in-water Pickering emulsion using a high shear mixing technique. The emulsions remained stable for more than 15 days. Nanocellulose was characterized using attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), hot water and organic extractives, atomic force microscopy (AFM), degree of polymerization (DP), and rheological analysis. Subsequently, the emulsions were characterized on days 1 and 15 after their preparation through photographs to assess their physical stability. Fluorescent and electronic microscopy, as well as rheological analysis, were used to understand the physical properties of emulsions.

Characterization, biological, and antimicrobial properties of nanocellulose isolated from peanut shells (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Characterization, biological, and antimicrobial properties of nanocellulose isolated from peanut shells (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Nanocellulose-based advanced materials for flexible supercapacitor electrodes

Nanocellulose is sustainable, has excellent properties and a unique structure that can be used to create environmentally friendly supercapacitor electrodes with pore structures. Supercapacitor, as a high-performance electrochemical energy storage device, has the advantages of high power density, long cycle life, fast charging and discharging, and high energy density. Currently, the problem of energy depletion is becoming more and more serious, and in order to solve this problem, people are beginning to replace traditional petroleum-based materials with environmentally friendly biomass-based materials. Nanocellulose, as a derivative of cellulose, the most widely distributed biomass in nature, has high specific surface area, biodegradability, high strength and good dispersibility. This review discusses and summarizes the latest research on nanocellulose-based supercapacitor electrode materials. First, the physical and chemical properties of nanocellulose and the preparation strategy are presented. Second, the types of electrodes are introduced in terms of electrodes with nanocellulose as substrate and those with other support materials. Next, recent studies on the use of these electrodes for flat supercapacitors and fiber-based supercapacitors are presented. Finally, the future prospects and challenges of using nanocellulose in supercapacitor electrode materials are outlined.

Recycling of Nanocellulose from Polyester-Cotton Textile Waste for Modification of Film Composites.

Textile waste has emerged as a critical global challenge, with improper disposal practices leading to adverse environmental consequences. In response to this pressing issue, there is growing interest in recycling textile waste containing cellulose as an alternative approach to reducing the impact of industrial waste on the environment. The objective of this research is to investigate the extraction and characterization of nanocellulose from polyester-cotton textile waste as a potential solution to address the growing concerns of waste management in the textile industry. To obtain nanocellulose, a comprehensive process involving alkaline sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment of the polyester-cotton textile (35% PET and 65% cotton) was employed, resulting in average yield percentages ranging from 62.14% to 71.21%. To achieve the complete hydrolysis of PET polyester in the blends, second hydrolysis was employed, and the optimized condition yield cotton fiber was 65.06 wt%, relatively close to the theoretical yield. Subsequently, the obtained cellulosic material underwent an acid hydrolysis process using 70 percent (v/v) sulfuric acid (H2SO4) solution at 45 °C for 90 min, resulting in nanocellulose. Centrifugation at 15,000 rpm for 15 min facilitated the separation of nanocellulose from the acid solution and yielded 56.26 wt% at optimized conditions. The characterization of the nanocellulose was carried out utilizing a comprehensive array of techniques, including absorption, transmission, and reflection spectra, and Fourier transform infrared. The characterization results provide valuable insights into the unique properties of nanocellulose extracted from textile waste. In this research, the obtained nanocellulose was mixed with PVA and silver nanoparticle to form biodegradable film composites as the reinforcement. In comparison, biodegradable film of PVA:nanocellulose 9.5:0.5 with silver nanoparticle 0.3 wt% and glycerol as a plasticizer exhibits better tensile strength (2.37 MPa) and elongation (214.26%) than the PVA film with normal cellulose. The prepared biodegradable film was homogeneous and had a smooth surface without the internal defect confirmed by the CT scan. This result opens avenues for enhancing the quantities of eco-friendly film composites, potentially replacing conventional plastic films in the future.

Current and Potential Applications of Green Membranes with Nanocellulose.

Large-scale applications of nanotechnology have been extensively studied within the last decade. By exploiting certain advantageous properties of nanomaterials, multifunctional products can be manufactured that can contribute to the improvement of everyday life. In recent years, one such material has been nanocellulose. Nanocellulose (NC) is a naturally occurring nanomaterial and a high-performance additive extracted from plant fibers. This sustainable material is characterized by a unique combination of exceptional properties, including high tensile strength, biocompatibility, and electrical conductivity. In recent studies, these unique properties of nanocellulose have been analyzed and applied to processes related to membrane technology. This article provides a review of recent synthesis methods and characterization of nanocellulose-based membranes, followed by a study of their applications on a larger scale. The article reviews successful case studies of the incorporation of nanocellulose in different types of membrane materials, as well as their utilization in water purification, desalination, gas separations/gas barriers, and antimicrobial applications, in an effort to provide an enhanced comprehension of their capabilities in commercial products.

Chlorella vulgaris nanocellulose in hydrogel beads for dye removal

Water pollution requires sustainable materials to develop green treatment solutions. Nanocellulose with outstanding properties is a sustainable building block of adsorbent for wastewater treatment. However, nanocellulose extraction from plants remains an energy and chemical-intensive process. This study aims to produce nanocellulose from microalgae via facile extraction for the synthesis of hydrogel adsorbents. Without TEMPO-mediated oxidation, nanocellulose was successfully extracted from Chlorella vulgaris through alkaline treatment, bleaching, and hydrolysis only in a high-speed blender in this study. The effects of acid concentration on nanocellulose properties were studied. The maximum yield (58.5%) was achieved using sulphuric acid with a concentration of 60%(v/v). Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images showed the fibrillated structure at the nanoscale. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy results confirmed the elimination of lignin and hemicellulose through alkaline treatment, while X-ray diffraction patterns proved that microalgae nanocellulose were typical cellulose I. The microalgae nanocellulose was further incorporated into carboxymethyl cellulose/sodium alginate beads. Methylene blue adsorption capacity raised from 28.46 mg/g to 109.03 mg/g. Dye removal percentage as high as 93.7% could be achieved due to the hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction with carboxylate groups.

The Role of Microorganisms in the Isolation of Nanocellulose from Plant Biomass

The isolation and bottom-up assembly of nano-cellulose by using microorganisms offers unique advantages that fine-tune and meet the main key design criteria of sustainability, rapid renewability, low toxicity and scalability for several industrial applications. As a biomaterial, several properties are required to maintain the quality and functional period of any product. Thus, researchers nowadays are extensively using microorganisms to enhance the yield and properties of plant nanocellulose. A microbial process requires approximately 20%–50% less energy compared to the chemical isolation process that consumes high energy due to the need for intense mechanical processing and harsh chemical treatments. A microbial process can also reduce production costs by around 30%–50% due to the use of renewable feedstocks, fewer chemical additives, and simplified purification steps. A chemical isolation process is typically more expensive due to the extensive use of chemicals, complex processing steps, and higher energy requirements. A microbial process also offers higher yields of nanocellulose with well-defined and uniform dimensions, leading to improved mechanical properties and enhanced performance in various applications, compared with the chemical isolation process, which may result in a wider range of nanocellulose sizes, potentially leading to variations in properties and performance. The present review discusses the role of different microorganisms (bacteria, yeasts and fungi) in the isolation and production of nanocellulose. The types and properties of nanocellulose from different sources are also discussed to show the main differences among them, showing the use of microorganisms and their products to enhance the yield and properties of nanocellulose isolation. Finally, the challenges and propositions regarding the isolation, production and enhancement the quality of nanocellulose are addressed.

Harnessing Nature's Ingenuity: A Comprehensive Exploration of Nanocellulose from Production to Cutting-Edge Applications in Engineering and Sciences.

Primary material supply is the heart of engineering and sciences. The depletion of natural resources and an increase in the human population by a billion in 13 to 15 years pose a critical concern regarding the sustainability of these materials; therefore, functionalizing renewable materials, such as nanocellulose, by possibly exploiting their properties for various practical applications, has been undertaken worldwide. Nanocellulose has emerged as a dominant green natural material with attractive and tailorable physicochemical properties, is renewable and sustainable, and shows biocompatibility and tunable surface properties. Nanocellulose is derived from cellulose, the most abundant polymer in nature with the remarkable properties of nanomaterials. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the methods used for nanocellulose preparation, structure-property and structure-property correlations, and the application of nanocellulose and its nanocomposite materials. This article differentiates the classification of nanocellulose, provides a brief account of the production methods that have been developed for isolating nanocellulose, highlights a range of unique properties of nanocellulose that have been extracted from different kinds of experiments and studies, and elaborates on nanocellulose potential applications in various areas. The present review is anticipated to provide the readers with the progress and knowledge related to nanocellulose. Pushing the boundaries of nanocellulose further into cutting-edge applications will be of particular interest in the future, especially as cost-effective commercial sources of nanocellulose continue to emerge.