Formation of cellulose-carbene complex via depolymerization in ILs: Dependence of IL types on kinetics, conformation...

This study focused on the influence of anion type on the depolymerization and its effect on the molecular state, dynamics and dispersity of cellulose. GPC and the van Gurp-Palmen plot showed that molar mass was more significantly decreased by 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C₄C₁Im][Cl]) comparing to 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([C₄C₁Im][OAc]). Acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of cellulose in IL was proved using base titration which was monitored by conductivity and pH value. On the contrary to the depolymerization case, [C₄C₁Im][OAc] solution needed more base to be neutralized than [C₄C₁Im][Cl] solution. The generated carbene was combined with reducing ends of cellulose, which was facilitated in low molar mass consisting of a large number of reducing ends. The formation of cellulose-carbene substitution caused steric hindrance of cellulose chain, thus resulting in increased segmental friction with high molecular density. The cellulose particle combined with carbene can be dispersed stably in aqueous media.