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Preparation of Binary and Ternary Deep Eutectic Systems
Published on: October 31, 2019
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Emulsion Stabilization with Functionalized Cellulose Nanoparticles Fabricated Using Deep Eutectic Solvents.
Jonna Ojala1, Miikka Visanko2, Ossi Laitinen3
1Fibre and Particle Engineering Research Unit, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 4300, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland. jonna.ojala@oulu.fi.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 28, 2018
Summary
Surface-functionalized cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) effectively stabilize oil-in-water emulsions by forming web-like structures. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and non-functionalized CNFs showed less effective stabilization, highlighting the importance of nanoparticle surface modification.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Colloid and Surface Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Cellulosic nanoparticles, including cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), are explored for their potential in stabilizing oil-in-water (o/w) emulsions.
- Deep eutectic solvent (DES) pre-treatments are utilized to modify the morphology and surface characteristics of these nanoparticles.
- Understanding the influence of nanoparticle properties on emulsion stability is crucial for various applications, including oil spill response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) and cellulose nanofiber (CNF) morphology and surface characteristics on oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion stabilization.
- To evaluate the effects of oil-to-water ratio, nanoparticle type, and concentration on emulsion properties.
- To elucidate the stabilization mechanisms employed by different cellulosic nanoparticles.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of non-modified and functionalized CNCs and CNFs using deep eutectic solvent (DES) pre-treatments.
- Formulation of o/w emulsions with varying oil content (5-20 wt.%) and nanoparticle concentrations (0.05-0.2 wt.%).
- Characterization of oil droplet size using laser diffractometry, emulsion stability via analytical centrifugation, and stabilization mechanisms using field emission scanning electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- All tested cellulosic nanoparticles reduced oil droplet size, with sizes ranging from 22.5 µm to 8.9 µm.
- Surface-functionalized CNFs with moderate hydrophilicity demonstrated efficient o/w emulsion stabilization and formed a web-like structure around oil droplets.
- Non-functionalized CNFs failed to prevent coalescence and creaming, while CNCs formed flat layers, resulting in lower emulsion stability compared to functionalized CNFs.
Conclusions:
- Surface functionalization of cellulose nanofibers is critical for effective oil-in-water emulsion stabilization, creating a robust network structure.
- The hydrophilicity and structural properties of cellulosic nanoparticles significantly influence their performance in emulsion stabilization.
- Tunable cellulose nanoparticles, particularly functionalized CNFs, show promise for applications such as enhanced marine oil spill response.
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