Super solvent of cellulose with extra high solubility for tunable cellulose structure with versatile application
Genqiang Chen1, Feng F Hong2, Jinying Yuan3
1The Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China.
Carbohydrate Polymers
|September 10, 2022
Summary
A novel low-temperature sulfuric acid solvent efficiently dissolves cellulose, enabling its molding during regeneration. This method allows for tunable cellulose properties and versatile applications in materials science.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biomass Processing
Background:
- Cellulose dissolution is crucial for its material applications.
- Traditional cellulose solvents often have limitations in efficiency, environmental impact, or material processability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a highly effective and versatile solvent system for cellulose.
- To investigate the influence of solvent parameters on regenerated cellulose properties, particularly its degree of polymerization (DP).
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a low-temperature, two-step concentrated sulfuric acid (H2SO4) solvent system.
- Investigating cellulose solubility, dissolution rate, and regeneration yield.
- Characterizing regenerated cellulose composition and degree of polymerization (DP).
Main Results:
- Achieved high cellulose solubility (>300 g/L) and fast dissolution.
- Obtained high regeneration yield (>0.92 g/g) with moldable cellulose.
- Demonstrated tunable DP of regenerated cellulose (4-90% of original) by controlling process parameters.
Conclusions:
- Low-temperature sulfuric acid offers superior cellulose compatibility and processability.
- This solvent system facilitates the fabrication of strong cellulose hydrogels, fibers, composites, and cellooligosaccharides.
- The tunable DP allows for tailored material properties and diverse applications.
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