A comparison of nano-celluloses prepared with various terms of time and sulfuric acid concentration from bagasse derived cellulose: Physicochemical characteristics and process optimization

Abstract

Cellulose in nano-meter domain or aka nano-cellulose (NC) has enticed much attention from researchers. Segregated cellulose from sugarcane bagasse (SCB) was used in this study, and then hydrolyzed with 40, 50 and 60% sulfuric acid at 45 °C for 90, 30, and 20 min. The impact of the different treatment conditions was evaluated regarding nano-product yields and morphology aspects. The current study discusses the surface morphology, structural and elemental properties of nano-celluloses (NCs). Morphological; X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and elemental analysis; energy dispersive x-ray diffraction (EDX). Morphological characterization showed the figuration of stick-shaped rods and bundles of NCs with size in the ambit of about 34–49 nm. Elemental analysis (EDX) showed multiple elements in NCs with other major compositions. X-ray diffraction appeared that NCs have diverse crystallinity indices at different nanoscales. We have achieved the main challenges based on; The high concentration of acid used, the short reaction time needed and the smallest size using a 60% concentration of acid in a time of 20 min compared to other concentrations used in this study. Extracted NCs presupposed to have a high potency in many applications. Therefore, NCs are considered a modified biomass with great potential to meet global energy demand and encourage environmental sustainability.

Keywords

• Nano-cellulose
• Bagasse
• Acid hydrolysis
• Morphological characteristics
• Physicochemical properties