Value-added Materials Research Articles

Synthesis of aluminum-mesoporous MCM-41 humidity control material from thin-film transistor liquid crystal display waste glass and sandblasting waste and its application

The preparation of an aluminum-mesoporous A1-MCM-41 humidity control material (Al-MHCM) by hydrothermally synthesizing a mixture of thin-film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) waste glass and sandblasting (SB) waste was studied. The product has a typical mesoporous structure, with a specific surface area of up to 1013m2/g, the pore size distribution calculated is 3–4nm, and the pore volume of 0.97cm3/g. All the aluminum atoms of the product are in the form of tetrahedral aluminum in the framework, which confirms the successful synthesis of Al-MHCM. Results show that when the hydrothermal synthesis temperature is 105°C, the product synthesized from a mixture with a Si/Al molar ratio of 41.8 exhibits excellent performance (91.45m3/m3) in terms of the equilibrium moisture content and moisture adsorption capacity. The results confirm that the equilibrium moisture content of Al-MHCM is better than the rape straw concrete and hemp concrete (9.8–17.8m3/m3), and that of a diatomite/ground calcium carbonate composite aterial (11.7m3/m3). The research results are expected to provide a new technology for synthesizing TFT-LCD waste glass and SB waste into novel high value-added humidity control materials.

CO2 Electrolysis via Surface-Engineering Electrografted Pyridines on Silver Catalysts.

The electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) to value-added materials has received considerable attention. Both bulk transition-metal catalysts and molecular catalysts affixed to conductive noncatalytic solid supports represent a promising approach toward the electroreduction of CO2. Here, we report a combined silver (Ag) and pyridine catalyst through a one-pot and irreversible electrografting process, which demonstrates the enhanced CO2 conversion versus individual counterparts. We find that by tailoring the pyridine carbon chain length, a 200 mV shift in the onset potential is obtainable compared to the bare silver electrode. A 10-fold activity enhancement at −0.7 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) is then observed with demonstratable higher partial current densities for CO, indicating that a cocatalytic effect is attainable through the integration of the two different catalytic structures. We extended the performance to a flow cell operating at 150 mA/cm2, demonstrating the approach’s potential for substantial adaptation with various transition metals as supports and electrografted molecular cocatalysts.

Sustainable biorefinery approaches towards circular economy for conversion of biowaste to value added materials and future perspectives

With the huge energy demand inevitably exacerbates the non-renewable resources depletion and ecological-social challenges, renewable energy has become a crucial participant in sustainable strategy. Biorefinery emerged as a sustainable approach and recognized promising transformation platforms for products, to achieve circular bioeconomy which focuses on the biomass efficient and sustainable valorization, promotes resource regeneration and restorative. The emerged biowaste biorefinery has proved as sustainable approach for integrated bioproducts and further applied this technology in industrial, commercial, agricultural and energy sectors. Based on carbon neutral sustainable development, this review comprehensive explained the biowaste as renewable resource generation and resource utilization technologies from the perspective of energy, nutrient and material recovery in the concept of biorefinery. Integrate biorefinery concepts into biowaste management is promise for conversion biowaste into value-added materials and contribute as driving force to cope with resource scarcity, climate changes and huge material demand in circular bioeconomy. In practice, the optimal of biorefinery technologies depends on environmentally friendly, economic and technical feasibility, social and policy acceptance. Additionally, policy interventions are necessary to promote biowaste biorefinery implements for circular bioeconomy and contribute to low-carbon cleaner environment.

Chemical Synthesis Data Modeling Based on Mathematical Optimization

As one of the most important high value-added raw materials in the chemical industry, the synthesis of C4 Olefin by ethanol coupling was of great significance in the field of the chemical industry. Different catalysts and various conditions have different effects on the chemical reaction. This paper is based on the relevant data set. Firstly, Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficient method and corresponding hypothesis test are used to get the influence of different catalysts on the chemical reaction. Ethanol conversion and C4 Olefin selectivity are positively correlated with temperature. Secondly, a multivariate linear regression model with significant core variables is constructed to investigate the effects of catalyst combination and temperature on ethanol conversion and C4 Olefin selectivity. It can be concluded that the ethanol concentration is greatly affected by temperature and CO loading, and there is a positive and negative correlation between ethanol concentration and CO loading. The selectivity of C4 Olefin is affected by temperature and is positively correlated with the charge ratio of CO/SiO2 and HAP. Finally, by using a multiple regression equation and simulated annealing model, it can be obtained that when the loading of CO is 4.75 wt%, the loading ratio of CO/SiO2 and HAP is 1 : 1.4242, the concentration of ethanol is 0.3658 ml/min, and the temperature is 448.21°C, the loading ratio of CO/SiO2 and HAP is 1 : 1.4242, the concentration of ethanol is 0.3658 ml/min, and the temperature is 448.21°C, the yield of C4 Olefin can reach a higher value.

Implementation and physico-chemical characterization of new alkali-modified bio-sorbents for cadmium removal from industrial discharges: Adsorption isotherms and kinetic approaches

This study consists of using for the first-time new alkali-modified natural adsorbents as underused lignocellulosic remains in a physicochemical adsorption process, to treat polluted discharges of industrial origin. Four different lignocellulosic materials were mercerized using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and tested to investigate their ability to adsorb cadmium II (Cd2+) as a toxic heavy metal ion. The physicochemical features and the performance of the bio-sorbents were evaluated by FTIR, BET, SEM, TGA, XRD and zeta potential analysis. The influence of different experimental parameters (solution pH, temperature, contact time, and Cd2+ concentration) was studied. Results showed that the treated bio-sorbents exhibited remarkable elimination from the first 25 min. Among the used lignocellulosic materials red algae (RA) exhibited the highest adsorption percentages (99.54%) at neutral pH (7) and room temperature (25 °C). Interestingly, the kinetic adsorption model (pseudo-secondary order) adequately simulates the Cd2+ adsorption behavior. Also, Langmuir model exhibited a correlation coefficient (R2) close to 1. These results demonstrated high adsorption capacities of all the lignocellulosic materials used. Accordingly, their physico-chemical characterization and application can open new perspectives for the development of high value-added materials from under-exploited lignocellulosic products.

A Real-World Scenario of Citizens' Motivation and Engagement in Urban Waste Management Through a Mobile Application and Smart City Technology.

Circular bioeconomy is a key socioeconomic model for advancing the United Nations Global Sustainability Goals and promoting environmental and resource sustainability. However, circular bioeconomy concepts are unknown to most people and politicians worldwide who still have a fragmented picture of sustainability. Common perception of waste needs a cultural shift from “disposable” to commodity. This can happen with effective communication, active citizens’ education, and awareness and engagement in core bioeconomy experiences and activities, like urban waste management and environmental sustainability. Citizen engagement methodologies are multiple. This paper proposes the combined use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), citizens’ hands-on project involvement, and a direct rewarding system. Similar European examples are displayed, while our key case study is the bitter orange waste problem in the metropolitan region of Attica in Greece, where approximately 40,000 tons of bitter oranges per year remain unmanageable and unexploited, causing serious problems. The Bitter Orange Project aims to educate citizens on bioeconomy and biomass value, hopefully changing the perception of urban waste through their rewarded engagement in fruit collection to produce high added value materials. This can be a versatile platform for urban waste management projects through citizen science regardless of the type of biomass. The project aims to engage all possible local society stakeholders to multiply awareness. The target of this paper is to highlight that environmental problems related to biomass misuse are closer than the average citizen experiences, and that active involvement of society through rewarding can help raise awareness.

A Comprehensive Review on Utilization of Slaughterhouse By-Product: Current Status and Prospect

The meat processing industry produces a huge quantity of by-products, approximately 150 million tonnes per year. The live weight of the animals is distinguished as edible, inedible, and discardable by-products, with the discardable parts equating to 66%, 52%, and 80% of the overall live weight of cattle, lamb, and pigs, respectively. Only a small percentage of those by-products are nowadays exploited for the production of high added value products such as animal feed, glue, fertilizers, etc., whereas the main management method is direct disposal to landfills. As such, the current disposal methodologies of these by-products are problematic, contributing to environmental contamination, soil degradation, air pollution, and possible health problems. Nevertheless, these by-products are rich in collagen, keratin, and minerals, being thus promising sources of high-value materials such as bioenergy, biochemical and other biomaterials that could be exploited in various industrial applications. In this paper, the possible utilization of slaughterhouse by-products for the production of various high added value materials is discussed. In this context, the various processes presented provide solutions to more sustainable management of the slaughterhouse industry, contributing to the reduction of environmental degradation via soil and water pollution, the avoidance of space depletion due to landfills, and the development of a green economy.

Investigation of Thermal Conductivity and Sound Absorption Properties of Rice Straw Fiber/Polylactic Acid Biocomposite Material

ABSTRACT In the last decade, there has been an increasing trend in the use of agricultural wastes as reinforcements for high value-added composite materials as an ecological approach. In our previous study, a nonwoven fabric was produced from rice straw fibers. In this study, the previously obtained nonwoven reinforcement material and the polylactic acid (PLA) in granule form are used in the hot press process to produce new single- and double-layered biocomposite materials. The characterization of the obtained composite materials is made using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier-Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) instrumental methods. The thermal conductivity and sound absorption properties of the materials are also investigated. The double-layer composite material has the highest sound absorption coefficient value, which is almost 0.99 while the single-layer material’s is around 0.34. According to the thermal conductivity measurement results, the thermal conductivity of the single-layer composite material is 0.02564 W/m.K and that of the nonwoven material produced with rice straw which is 0.01618 W/m.K. The thermal conductivity of the single-layer composite material is approximately 50% higher than that of the nonwoven material. The single-layer composite material can be preferred in industrial insulation applications since the material with a low thermal conductivity coefficient is the best choice for thermal insulation purposes.

Targeted surface modification of Cu/Zn/Ag coatings and Ag/Cu particles based on sacrificial element selection by electrodeposition and redox replacement

The electrodeposition-redox replacement (EDRR) method was investigated for the preparation of two types of functional surfaces. A synthetic solution simulating Zn process solution containing 65 g/L Zn, 200 ppm Cu, 2 ppm Ag and 10 g/L H2SO4 was used as the source for creating functional surfaces EDRR experiments. The effects of operating parameters such as deposition potential (E1), deposition time (t1), and redox replacement time (t2) have been comprehensively studied. When E1 was selected to deposit Zn as the sacrificial metal, coherent Cu/Zn/Ag coatings with various chemical compositions, crystalline phases and surface morphology were obtained depending on the selected t1 and t2. The Cu/Zn/Ag coatings also exhibited competitive corrosion resistance (Ecorr = −683 to −634 mV vs. Hg/Hg2SO4, jcorr = 1.6–4.1 μA/cm2) when compared to those detailed in the literature. In contrast, when E1 was selected so that Cu was the sacrificial metal, separated Cu/Ag particles with controllable chemical composition, particle size (82–170 nm) and tunable surface plasmon resonance (SPR) behavior were formed through the variation of t1 and t2. In addition to the ability to tailor different functionalities for the surfaces from the same solutions, the process was performed in a single electrochemical cell without the addition of any complexing agents. Overall, these promising results demonstrated the versatility of the EDRR method to create various high value-added functional materials from complex hydrometallurgical solutions which contain multiple metal impurities.

The Influence of Fly Ash on the Mechanical Properties of Water Immersed All Waste Composites.

The paper presents new value-added composite materials prepared by recycling tire rubber, polyethene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethene (HDPE), wood sawdust, and fly ash. The composites were manufactured through the compression molding technique for three temperatures (150 °C, 160 °C, and 190 °C) previously optimized. The addition of fly ash as reinforcement in polymer blends is a viable route to improve the composite” properties. The paper aims to assess the effect of fly ash on the mechanical properties and water stability of the new all waste composites considering their applications as outdoor products. The static tensile (stress-strain behavior) and compression properties of the composites were tested. The fly ash composites were characterized in terms of wetting behavior and surface energies (contact angle measurements); chemical structure of the new interface developed between composite” components (FTIR analysis), crystalline structure (XRD analysis), surface morphology and topography (SEM, AFM). The addition of fly ash promoted the development of the hybrid interfaces in the new composites, as FTIR analysis has shown, which, in turn, greatly improved the mechanical and water resistance. The novel all waste composites exhibited lower surface energies, larger contact angles, and smoother morphologies when compared to those with no fly ash. Overall, the study results have revealed that fly ash has improved the mechanical strength and water stability of the composites through the formation of strong hybrid interfaces. The study results show optimal water stability and tensile strength for 0.5% fly ash composites cured at 190 °C and optimal compressive strength with good water stability for 1% fly ash composite cured at 150 °C.

Thermochemical Conversion of Plastic Waste into Fuels, Chemicals, and Value-Added Materials: A Critical Review and Outlooks.

Plastic waste is an emerging environmental issue for our society. Critical action to tackle this problem is to upcycle plastic waste as valuable feedstock. Thermochemical conversion of plastic waste has received growing attention. Although thermochemical conversion is promising for handling mixed plastic waste, it typically occurs at high temperatures (300-800 °C). Catalysts can play a critical role in improving the energy efficiency of thermochemical conversion, promoting targeted reactions, and improving product selectivity. This Review aims to summarize the state-of-the-art of catalytic thermochemical conversions of various types of plastic waste. First, general trends and recent development of catalytic thermochemical conversions including pyrolysis, gasification, hydrothermal processes, and chemolysis of plastic waste into fuels, chemicals, and value-added materials were reviewed. Second, the status quo for the commercial implementation of thermochemical conversion of plastic waste was summarized. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives of catalytic thermochemical conversion of plastic waste including the design of sustainable and robust catalysts were discussed.

Supercritical CO2-assisted processes for development of added-value materials: Optimization of starch aerogels preparation and hemp seed extracts impregnation

The aim of the present study was the utilization of supercritical CO2 as a green medium in various processes: starch gel drying, supercritical extraction from hemp seed flour (SCE process), hemp seed oil (HSO) impregnation (SCI process), as well as integrated process of hemp seed flour (HSF) extraction and starch gels impregnation (SCE-SCI process) for development of added-value materials that can be used as phytopharmaceuticals. Optimization of starch aerogels was performed by variation of temperature (35 and 45 °C) and pressure (8, 10, and 20 MPa) in order to obtain materials with high porosity, which will enable maximal loading capacity for hemp seed extracts. Proposed scCO2-assisted processes of SCE from HSF, SCI and SCE-SCI were performed at pressure of 30 MPa and temperature of 60 °C. It was shown that conditions of starch gel drying significantly influenced material morphology (porosity was in a range of 48–82%, and specific surface area of 71–208 m2/g), which consequently determined aerogel loading capacity. FTIR analysis confirmed that scCO2 did not have effect on polymer composition nor it remained in polymer after drying process. The highest loading of both HSO and HSF extract (24.9% and 29.78%, respectively) was achieved when aerogel obtained at 10 MPa and 45 °C was tested as a carrier. Furthermore, chemical analysis showed that both HSO and HSF extract are rich in unsaturated fatty acids especially linoleic acid (54–59%) and α-linolenic acid (15–18%). These essential fatty acids have well-established health benefits including protection against cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases.

Conversion of Aquaculture Waste into Biomedical Wealth: Chitin and Chitosan Journey

Biowaste originating from aquaculture sector represents a potential feedstock to produce value-added substances and materials like chitin and chitosan. They are the long chain polymers of N-acetylglucosamine polymers with huge industrial and biomedical significance. Chitin has long been recognized as a useful biomaterial for drug delivery and neurological therapy. Similarly, chitosan oligosaccharide, a short chain polymer derived from chitin/chitosan, has been identified for its potential biomedical applications, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-Alzheimer action. Chitosan nanoparticles are also used extensively in biomedical applications. Here we have critically summarized various methods for the extraction of chitin, chitosan, and chitooligossacharides and chitosan nanoparticle preparation and their diverse biomedical applications.

Strategy for Local Plant-Based Material Valorisation to Higher-Value Feed Stock for Piglets.

Simple SummaryThe aim of this study was to increase the sustainability of piglets farming by including valorised local cereal industry by-products as value-added feed material. In addition, dried sugar beet pulp, as local, high-energy, and nutritionally dense feed material for piglet feeding, was tested. The influence of the by-products on piglets’ blood parameters, faecal microbial and physico-chemical characteristics, and growth performance was evaluated. The control group was fed without by-product addition. A 41-day experiment was conducted using 300 (21-day-old) Large White/Norwegian Landrace piglets. Results showed that an extrusion and fermentation combination is a suitable strategy for wheat bran valorisation, as pre-treated wheat bran showed desirable antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Both treatments reduced the total enterobacteria and increased the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count in piglets’ faeces. The consistency of the piglets’ faeces was within a physiological range throughout the whole experiment. It was established that the LAB count in piglets’ faeces is associated with specific volatile compounds’ formation (butanoic acid; butanoic acid, 3-methyl-; butyric acid (2-methyl-); pentanoic acid). Finally, the significantly higher body weight gain of the treatment groups could be associated with desirable changes in micro-organism populations in the piglets’ faeces, and the tested local feed material could be suggested for piglets’ nutrition.In this study, a 41-day experiment was conducted using 300 (21-day-old) Large White/Norwegian Landrace piglets (100 piglets in each group). Three dietary treatments were compared: (i) a basal diet (C-I), (ii) a basal diet with the addition of extruded–fermented wheat bran (Wex130/screwspeed25Lpa) (TG-II), and (iii) a basal diet with the addition of dried sugar beet pulp (TG-III). Analyses of piglets’ blood parameters, faecal microbial and physico-chemical characteristics, and piglets’ growth performance were performed. It was found that the extrusion and fermentation combination led to an additional functional value of Wex130/screwspeed25Lpa, which showed desirable antimicrobial and antifungal properties in vitro (inhibited 5 out of 10 tested pathogenic strains and 3 out of 11 tested fungi). Both treatments reduced total enterobacteria and increased lactic acid bacteria counts in piglets’ faeces. The consistency of the piglets’ faeces (in all three groups) was within a physiological range throughout the whole experiment. Strong positive correlations were found between the LAB count in piglets’ faeces and butanoic acid; butanoic acid, 3-methyl-; butyric acid (2-methyl-); pentanoic acid. The treatment groups obtained a significantly higher body weight gain and average daily gain. Finally, substituting the piglets’ diet with Wex130/screwspeed25Lpa and sugar beet pulp led to favourable changes in micro-organism populations in the piglets’ faeces as well as better growth performance.

Sustainable value added material use of occurring by-products from sugar and rice production in Vietnam

Due to the worldwide growing population, the demand on food increases, which results in the need for a higher productivity in agriculture. Generally, this leads to larger amounts of agricultural residues and by-products, which may cause severe environmental risks due to emissions from simple burning or storing, especially in emerging and developing countries. In Vietnam agricultural by-products arise in total of 118 Mt per year, whereas 80% are coming from rice and sugar cane processing. By the selection of favorable plant varieties, seed, and/or seedlings, it is possible to improve the rice and sugar yield. Besides, the by-products offer a great potential for a value-added material use. We developed a flexible portable, integrated process scheme aside from high-tech biotechnology applications. Erosion control blankets, soil improvers/composts for an improved crop yield and soil management, and adsorbents with the focus on environmental issues for cleaning of fluid streams were produced from different fractions of the residue fractions via thermo-mechanical processes. As a consequence, fossil raw material input streams, e.g. polymer based textiles, inorganic fertilizing agents, and peat/coal can be avoided.In laboratory and field tests we demonstrate the producibility and the applicability and summarize the positive impact of the aforementioned products made from rice straw and bagasse: The improved varieties as well as the addition of selected soil improvers/composts made from the by-products improve the test plants' yield and quality. The application of erosion control blankets prevents soil loss and dehydration by covering soil surface for a period of transition. The produced shaped activated carbons show mechanical and adsorption specific properties, which are comparable to commercial products.

Production of hydrogen and value-added carbon materials by catalytic methane decomposition: a review

Production of hydrogen and value-added carbon materials by catalytic methane decomposition: a review

Lotus seedpods biochar decorated molybdenum disulfide for portable, flexible, outdoor and inexpensive sensing of hyperin

Biomass waste, a good candidate for advanced carbon materials for sustainable electrodes, is receiving more and more attention for high value-added materials because of its promising contribution to economic growth and sustainable development. We proposed a green co-hydrothermal approach to prepare lotus seedpods biochar (BC) decorated molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) from waste lotus seedpods and precursors of MoS2, and a portable, flexible, outdoor and inexpensive sensing platform for hyperin on the integrated flexible three-electrode using U-disk potentiostat with smartphone was successfully developed. Structure and properties of MoS2-BC were characterized, it was proved that BC improves microstructure and morphology, electronic conductivity, electrode stability and electrocatalytic properties of MoS2. Attributing to these impressive features, the detection signal of hyperin was significantly amplified by the MoS2-BC modified glass carbon electrode (GCE) in detection range of 0.01–21 μΜ with detection limit (LOD) of 5 nM. It was worth mentioning that the MoS2-BC modified screen-printed electrode (SPE) performs hyperin detection in range of 100 nM - 3 μM with LOD 50 nM (S/N = 3). The practicability of the proposed method confirmed that the portable, on-site, low-cost, and outdoor detection of hyperin was feasible and practical in comparison with traditional both electrochemical sensing and HPLC methods.

Recent Advances in the Decontamination and Upgrading of Waste Plastic Pyrolysis Products: An Overview

Extensive research on the production of energy and valuable materials from plastic waste using pyrolysis has been widely conducted during recent years. Succeeding in demonstrating the sustainability of this technology economically and technologically at an industrial scale is a great challenge. In most cases, crude pyrolysis products cannot be used directly for several reasons, including the presence of contaminants. This is confirmed by recent studies, using advanced characterization techniques such as two-dimensional gas chromatography. Thus, to overcome these limitations, post-treatment methods, such as dechlorination, distillation, catalytic upgrading and hydroprocessing, are required. Moreover, the integration of pyrolysis units into conventional refineries is only possible if the waste plastic is pre-treated, which involves sorting, washing and dehalogenation. The different studies examined in this review showed that the distillation of plastic pyrolysis oil allows the control of the carbon distribution of different fractions. The hydroprocessing of pyrolytic oil gives promising results in terms of reducing contaminants, such as chlorine, by one order of magnitude. Recent developments in plastic waste and pyrolysis product characterization methods are also reported in this review. The application of pyrolysis for energy generation or added-value material production determines the economic sustainability of the process.

Seafood Discards: A Potent Source of Enzymes and Biomacromolecules With Nutritional and Nutraceutical Significance.

In recent times, the seafood industry is found to produce large volumes of waste products comprising shrimp shells, fish bones, fins, skins, intestines, and carcasses, along with the voluminous quantity of wastewater effluents. These seafood industry effluents contain large quantities of lipids, amino acids, proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, minerals, and carotenoids mixed with the garbage. This debris not only causes a huge wastage of various nutrients but also roots in severe environmental contamination. Hence, the problem of such seafood industry run-offs needs to be immediately managed with a commercial outlook. Microbiological treatment may lead to the valorization of seafood wastes, the trove of several useful compounds into value-added materials like enzymes, such as lipase, protease, chitinase, hyaluronidase, phosphatase, etc., and organic compounds like bioactive peptides, collagen, gelatin, chitosan, and mineral-based nutraceuticals. Such bioconversion in combination with a bio-refinery strategy possesses the potential for environment-friendly and inexpensive management of discards generated from seafood, which can sustainably maintain the production of seafood. The compounds that are being produced may act as nutritional sources or as nutraceuticals, foods with medicinal value. Determining utilization of seafood discard not only reduces the obnoxious deposition of waste but adds economy in the production of food with nutritional and medicinal importance, and, thereby meets up the long-lasting global demand of making nutrients and nutraceuticals available at a nominal cost.

Preparation of CSHW with Flue Gas Desulfurization Gypsum.

Calcium sulfate hemihydrate whiskers (CSHW), a multi-functional and high value-added building material, were prepared with flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum by hydrothermal method, which could be a reasonable disposal of FGD gypsum. In order to obtain CSHW of a high aspect ratio, a series of manufacturing parameters such as reaction temperature, stirring speed, material–water ratio, and reaction time were investigated. The effect of stabilizing treatment and glycerol concentration on CSHW morphology were also studied by environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and statistical analysis. The results showed that the optimum preparing conditions of reaction temperature, stirring speed, water–material ratio, and reaction time were 160 °C, 200~300 rpm, 11:1 and 1 h, respectively. Furthermore, stabilizing treatment with octodecyl betaine was necessary for the preparation of CSHW. The final prepared whiskers had smooth surface, uniform morphology, a diameter of 260 nm, and a corresponding aspect ratio of 208.2. Moreover, the addition of glycerol reduced the activity of water, contributing to a lower reaction temperature and much smaller diameter.