Carbon-clay composite obtained from the decomposition of cellulose nanocrystals on the surface of expanded vermiculite

• Published in: Journal of chemical technology and biotechnology (1986) Vol. 88; no. 6; pp. 1130 - 1135
• Main Authors: de Mesquita, João P., Reis, Leonardo S., Purceno, Aluir D., Donnici, Claudio L., Lago, Rochel M., Pereira, Fabiano V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 01-06-2013; Wiley; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: adsorptive applications; Applied sciences; carbon nanostructures; cellulose nanocrystals; Chemical engineering; Crystallization, leaching, miscellaneous separations; Exact sciences and technology; expanded vermiculite clay; oil absorption; Scanning electron microscopy; Nanoparticle; Thermogravimetry; oil absorption; adsorptive applications; Nanostructure; Biomass; carbon nanostructures; Porous material; Precursor; Composite material; Hydrolysis; Pollution; expanded vermiculite clay; Transmission electron microscopy; Accident; Morphology; Preparation; Spherical particle; Nanostructured materials; Nanocrystal; cellulose nanocrystals
• ISSN: 0268-2575; 1097-4660
• DOI: 10.1002/jctb.3952

Background
Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are highly crystalline rod‐shaped nanoparticles, which can be obtained from different cellulose sources through acid hydrolysis. The nanometer size, morphology, facile preparation, and relatively low cost make these nanomaterials a new interesting candidate as precursor of biomass‐based carbon nanostructures.
Results
Cellulose nanocrystals were highly dispersed on the surface and in the internal layers of expanded vermiculite clay (EV) and thermally decomposed to form a carbon coating. SEM/EDS, TEM, IR, Raman, TGA and BET techniques showed the presence of nanostructures formed by films, agglomerates and spherical particles composed of amorphous and graphitic carbon throughout the EV surface.
Conclusion
The modified EV with carbon nanostructures produced a strongly hydrophobic porous material that can potentially be used to absorb oil in spilling accidents and emerging contaminants in water.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry