Sustainable production of lignin-containing cellulose nanofibers and nanocrystals using design of experiments

• Published in: Nano-Structures & Nano-Objects Vol. 38; p. 101130
• Main Authors: Silva, Laryssa Pinheiro Costa, Lirio, Pedro Henrique Cassaro, Keijok, Wanderson Juvencio, Valotto, Rafaela Spessemille, Cesário, Letícia Miranda, de Oliveira, Jairo Pinto, Campos, Fabiana Vasconcelos, Guimarães, Marco Cesar Cunegundes
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01-05-2024
• Subjects: Coconut fiber; Design of Experiments; Functional fabrics; Lignin-containing nanocellulose; Sustainability; Coconut fiber; Design of Experiments; Functional fabrics; Sustainability; Lignin-containing nanocellulose
• ISSN: 2352-507X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoso.2024.101130

Currently, numerous renewable biomass resources are incinerated as waste or used as livestock feed. By directing these resources to the production of nanomaterials, the commercial value of what was considered mere waste increases considerably. Lignin-containing nanocellulose, for instance, can be produced under mild conditions and has unique properties that make it suitable for a wide variety of applications in different fields, including the textile industry. In the present study, we used Cocus nucifera husks as a source of cellulose to synthesize lignin-containing nanocellulose. To optimize the production process, we employed the Design of Experiments statistical tool to identify the optimal conditions. This wholly chemical-treatment-free process yielded two distinct populations of lignin-containing nanocellulose – 7.35% nanocrystals (13.95 nm in diameter and 200 nm in length) and 92.65% nanofibers (10–20 nm in diameter), both highly stable and capable of being adsorbed onto cotton fabric fibers. This study lays a foundation for the future production and application of green lignin-containing nanocellulose.
[Display omitted]
•Lignin-nanocellulose was produced from cellulose extracted from coconut husks.•The Design of Experiments statistical tool was used to optimize the process.•The process yielded highly stable lignin-cellulose nanocrystals and nanofibers.•Both lignin-cellulose nanocrystals and nanofibers were adsorbed on cotton fabrics.