Fabrication of cellulose nanoparticles through electrospraying

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Cellulose nanoparticles offer unique properties for various applications.
• Developing efficient methods for cellulose nanoparticle fabrication is crucial.
• Controlling nanoparticle size and characteristics is essential for targeted use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate cellulose nanoparticles via electrospraying.
• To investigate the influence of electrospraying parameters on nanoparticle size.
• To analyze the structural integrity of cellulose nanoparticles post-fabrication.

Main Methods:

• Cellulose was dissolved in N,N-dimethylacetamide/lithium chloride solvent.
• Electrospraying was performed, varying concentration (1-3 wt%), voltage (15-23 kV), distance (10-25 cm), and feed rate (0.03-0.0875 ml/h).
• Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used for structural analysis.

Main Results:

• Cellulose nanoparticles with an average size of approximately 40 nm were successfully produced.
• Lowering solution concentration and feed rate, while increasing nozzle-collector distance and voltage, reduced nanoparticle size.
• FTIR confirmed no chemical changes in cellulose structure; XRD indicated reduced crystallinity and absence of LiCl salt.

Conclusions:

• Electrospraying is an effective method for cellulose nanoparticle fabrication.
• Electrospraying parameters significantly influence cellulose nanoparticle size.
• The process preserves cellulose's chemical structure while altering its crystallinity.