| 1. |
- Alimohammadzadeh, Rana, et al.
(author)
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Design and fabrication of superhydrophobic cellulose nanocrystal films by combination of self-assembly and organocatalysis
- 2023
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In: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 13:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Cellulose nanocrystals, which have unique properties of high aspect ratio, high surface area, high mechanical strength, and a liquid crystalline nature, constitute a renewable nanomaterial with great potential for several uses (e.g., composites, films and barriers). However, their intrinsic hydrophilicity results in materials that are moisture sensitive and exhibit poor water stability. This limits their use and competitiveness as a sustainable alternative against fossil-based materials/plastics in packaging, food storage, construction and materials application, which cause contamination in our oceans and environment. To make cellulose nanocrystal films superhydrophobic, toxic chemicals such as fluorocarbons are typically attached to their surfaces. Hence, there is a pressing need for environmentally friendly alternatives for their modification and acquiring this important surface property. Herein, we describe the novel creation of superhydrophobic, fluorocarbon-free and transparent cellulose nanocrystal films with functional groups by a bioinspired combination of self-assembly and organocatalytic surface modification at the nanoscale using food approved organic acid catalysts. The resulting film-surface is superhydrophobic (water contact angle > 150°) and has self-cleaning properties (the lotus effect). In addition, the superhydrophobic cellulose nanocrystal films have excellent water stability and significantly decreased oxygen permeability at high relative humidity with oxygen transmission rates better than those of commonly used plastics.
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| 2. |
- Cordova, Armando, 1970-, et al.
(author)
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A sustainable strategy for production and functionalization of nanocelluloses
- 2019
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In: Pure and Applied Chemistry. - : Walter de Gruyter GmbH. - 0033-4545 .- 1365-3075. ; 91:5, s. 865-874
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A sustainable strategy for the neat production and surface functionalization of nanocellulose from wood pulp is disclosed. It is based on the combination of organocatalysis and click chemistry (organoclick chemistry) and starts with nanocellulose production by organic acid catalyzed hydrolysis and esterification of the pulp under neat conditions followed by homogenization. This nanocellulose fabrication route is scalable, reduces energy consumption and the organic acid can be efficiently recycled. Next, the surface is catalytically engineered by organoclick chemistry, which allows for selective and versatile attachment of different organic molecules (e.g. fluorescent probes, catalyst and pharmaceuticals). It also enables binding of metal ions and nanoparticles. This was exemplified by the fabrication of a heterogeneous nanocellulose palladium nanoparticle catalyst, which is used for Suzuki cross-coupling transformations in water. The disclosed surface functionalization methodology is broad in scope and applicable to different nanocelluloses and cellulose based materials as well.
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