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Responsive and patterned cellulose nanocrystal films modified by N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide
Yu Zhang1, Zhongjian Tian1, Yingjuan Fu1
1State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals in Universities of Shandong, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, 25053, China.
Carbohydrate Polymers
|October 23, 2019
Summary
Cellulose nanocrystal films modified with N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) show reversible color changes in response to humidity. This NMMO treatment enables tunable photonic properties for applications in sensors and anti-counterfeiting.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) form photonic films with structural color.
- Modifying CNC films can alter their optical properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the modification of CNC photonic films using aqueous N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO).
- To explore the responsive color properties and potential applications of NMMO-treated CNC films.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of CNC photonic films with aqueous N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) solutions.
- Observation of changes in reflected color upon NMMO treatment and removal.
- Evaluation of color response to humidity variations.
Main Results:
- NMMO treatment caused swelling of CNC films, leading to red-shifted reflected colors.
- Removal of NMMO resulted in blue-shifted colors due to reduced helical pitches.
- NMMO-treated CNC films exhibited reversible color changes within minutes in response to humidity.
- Increased NMMO content expanded the responsive color range.
- Aqueous NMMO was used to create responsive photonic patterns on CNC films.
Conclusions:
- Aqueous NMMO is an effective solvent for modifying CNC photonic films.
- NMMO treatment induces tunable and reversible photonic responses.
- This post-treatment method offers potential for sensors, anti-counterfeiting, and decorative applications.
