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Functional Lignin Nanoparticles with Tunable Size and Surface Properties: Fabrication, Characterization, and Use in
Niloofar Alipoormazandarani1,2, Tobias Benselfelt3, Luyao Wang2
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|May 27, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed a method to create functional lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) from renewable aromatic sources. These engineered nanoparticles exhibit tunable size and adsorption properties, offering a sustainable alternative for advanced material applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Lignin, a renewable aromatic biopolymer, holds potential for replacing synthetic chemicals.
- Limited functionality of lignin hinders its widespread application, necessitating the development of advanced lignin-derived materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present an aqueous-based acid precipitation method for preparing functional lignin nanoparticles (LNPs).
- To investigate the influence of lignin modification (carboxymethylation vs. carboxypentylation) on LNP properties.
- To explore the layer-by-layer assembly behavior of these LNPs.
Main Methods:
- Aqueous-based acid precipitation for LNP synthesis.
- Preparation of carboxymethylated and carboxypentylated lignin.
- Stagnation point adsorption reflectometry (SPAR) and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) for adsorption studies.
Main Results:
- Functional LNPs were successfully prepared with controlled size (Rh ≤ 60 nm) and high salt/aging tolerance.
- Carboxypentylated lignin yielded larger LNPs and thicker adlayers compared to carboxymethylated lignin.
- Adsorption studies revealed efficient adsorption of LNPs onto poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) surfaces.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a feasible platform for engineering LNPs with tunable size and adsorption characteristics.
- These functional LNPs offer a sustainable route for bionanomaterial production.
- The findings highlight the potential of modified lignin for creating advanced functional materials.
