Cellulose Nanocrystal Embedded Composite Foam and Its Carbonization for Energy Application

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Energy Harvesting
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and chitosan are abundant, biodegradable materials with unique properties.
• Developing sustainable materials for energy harvesting is crucial for addressing global energy demands.
• Aerogel-like porous structures offer high surface area and tunable properties for various applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate a cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)-embedded aerogel-like chitosan foam.
• To investigate the effect of carbonization on the foam's structure and electrical properties.
• To evaluate the potential of the developed material for electrical energy harvesting.

Main Methods:

• Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were prepared from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) via acid treatment.
• CNC was incorporated into chitosan at 2 wt% to form a composite.
• The CNC/chitosan composite was processed into an aerogel-like foam using freeze-drying.
• The foam was subsequently carbonized to enhance its properties.

Main Results:

• The CNC/chitosan foam exhibited high surface area, porosity (especially mesopores), and a homogeneous structure.
• Carbonization increased the degree of crystallization of the carbon structure and CNCs.
• Vertical composite specimens showed superior electrochemical properties compared to horizontal ones.
• Carbonized CNCs significantly increased the proportion of micropores.

Conclusions:

• The fabricated CNC-embedded carbonized chitosan foam demonstrates excellent potential for electrical energy harvesting.
• The material's high porosity and enhanced electrochemical performance are attributed to the synergistic effects of CNCs and carbonization.
• This study presents a promising route for developing sustainable and high-performance energy harvesting devices from biodegradable materials.