Surface tailoring of cellulose aerogel-like structures with ultrathin coatings using molecular layer-by-layer assembly

• Cellulose nanofibril-based aerogels have promising applicability in various fields; however, developing an effi-cient technique to functionalize and tune their surface properties is challenging. In this study, physically and covalently crosslinked cellulose nanofibril-based aerogel-like structures were prepared and modified by a mo-lecular layer-by-layer (m-LBL) deposition method. Following three m-LBL depositions, an ultrathin polyamide layer was formed throughout the aerogel and its structure and chemical composition was studied in detail. Analysis of model cellulose surfaces showed that the thickness of the deposited layer after three m-LBLs was approximately 1 nm. Although the deposited layer was extremely thin, it led to a 2.6-fold increase in the wet specific modulus, improved the acid-base resistance, and changed the aerogels from hydrophilic to hydrophobic making them suitable materials for oil absorption with the absorption capacity of 16-36 g/g. Thus, demon-strating m-LBL assembly is a powerful technique for tailoring surface properties and functionality of cellulose substrates.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Materialteknik -- Pappers-, massa- och fiberteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Materials Engineering -- Paper, Pulp and Fiber Technology (hsv//eng)

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Kemi -- Materialkemi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Chemical Sciences -- Materials Chemistry (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Cellulose nanofibril

Aerogels

Molecular layer-by-layer deposition

Surface functionality

Wet strength

Oil absorption

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