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Insights into Pore Size Control in Cellulose Nanopapers Through Modeling and Experiments
G P Szekeres1, Z Nemeth1, K Schrantz1
1Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for High Performance Ceramics, Überlandstrasse 129, Dübendorf, CH-8600, Switzerland.
Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
|February 15, 2018
Summary
Controlling pore sizes in cellulose nanopapers is achievable by using different solvents like water, ethanol, and acetone. A new mathematical model explains how solvent properties influence pore formation at a molecular level.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Cellulose nanopapers offer potential for advanced applications.
- Controlling nanopaper pore size is critical for performance.
- Understanding solvent interactions is key to material fabrication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for controlling pore sizes in cellulose nanopapers.
- To investigate the influence of different solvents on nanopaper structure.
- To present a mathematical model for solvent-dependent pore formation.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of cellulose nanopapers using nanofibrillated cellulose.
- Modification of nanopapers with water, ethanol, and acetone.
- Analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP).
- Development of a probability-based mathematical model considering hydrogen bonding.
Main Results:
- Solvent choice significantly impacts cellulose nanopaper pore size.
- A mathematical model accurately describes solvent-dependent pore formation.
- Swelling and aggregate behavior of nanofibrillated cellulose are linked to solvent hydrogen bonding.
Conclusions:
- Solvent selection is a critical factor for tailoring cellulose nanopaper pore structure.
- The proposed model enhances understanding of molecular-level pore formation mechanisms.
- These cellulose nanopapers are suitable for applications like virus filtration membranes.
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