Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Azin Adibi, Leonardo Simon, Christian Lenges, Tizazu H. Mekonnen
Summary: Designed polysaccharides obtained from the enzymatic polymerization of sucrose are used as sustainable and functional reinforcing additives for rubber composites. In this study, epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) is melt-grafted onto the polysaccharide to enhance material properties. The resulting ENR-glucan composite using dicumyl peroxide (DCP) provides improved properties and can be used as a functional masterbatch for general NR composite formulations.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Joakim Engstrom, Michael S. Reid, Emma E. Brotherton, Eva Malmstrom, Steven P. Armes, Fiona L. Hatton
Summary: The study investigates the physical adsorption of highly anisotropic copolymer worms onto cellulosic surfaces, demonstrating that electrostatic interactions dominate on anionic silica and CNC surfaces, while additional interactions such as hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces, and possibly covalent bond formation may be involved on CNF surfaces.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Liling Li, Wenxiu Wang, Jianfeng Sun, Zhizhou Chen, Qianyun Ma, Huizhen Ke, Jixing Yang
Summary: In this study, PVA films filled with nanocellulose particles were developed for food packaging. The effect of magnetic field-induced alignment of the nanocellulose filler in PVA blends on the properties of the films was investigated. The results showed that the alignment of the nanocellulose fillers improved the dispersion and resulted in enhanced mechanical, barrier, and hydrophobic properties of the films. The films with magnetic field treatment also provided better protection and firmness for strawberries.
FOOD PACKAGING AND SHELF LIFE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xiaofang Zhang, Saewon Kang, Katarina Adstedt, Minkyu Kim, Rui Xiong, Juan Yu, Xinran Chen, Xulin Zhao, Chunhong Ye, Vladimir V. Tsukruk
Summary: Naturally derived biopolymers have attracted great interest for constructing photonic materials with multi-scale ordering and other attractive properties. However, traditional processing often leads to non-uniform organization. In this study, researchers report a uniform biophotonic organization of cellulose nanocrystals decorated with superparamagnetic nanoparticles, resulting in a transformation from one phase to another with near-perfect orientation order parameter. The resulting films are flexible, robust, and possess anisotropic birefringence and light scattering, making them highly suitable for actuation in response to various stimuli.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Olivier Fourmann, Michael K. Hausmann, Antonia Neels, Mark Schubert, Gustav Nystrom, Tanja Zimmermann, Gilberto Siqueira
Summary: The research presents a method for preparing, printing, and curing antibacterial poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) nanocellulose-reinforced hydrogels with an anisotropic microstructure to control mechanical properties. Incorporating nanoparticles allows for modifying strength and swelling direction, creating a fourth-dimensional property. Control over anisotropic swelling properties enables complex three-dimensional structures with programmable actuation.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Alexandre Redondo, Nicole Mortensen, Kenza Djeghdi, Daseul Jang, Roberto D. Ortuso, Christoph Weder, LaShanda T. J. Korley, Ullrich Steiner, Ilja Gunkel
Summary: The effects of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) on the reinforcement mechanisms of thermoplastic polyurethane (PU) elastomer nanocomposites were studied. It was found that nanocomposite fibers exhibited higher stiffness and strength, while nanocomposite films displayed better mechanical properties at high CNC concentrations.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sohail Yasin, Munir Hussain, Qiang Zheng, Yihu Song
Summary: This study investigates the potential of using cellulose nanocrystals as biodegradable nanofillers in rubber nanocomposites and conducts a life cycle assessment. The results show that partially replacing carbon black or silica with cellulose nanocrystals can enhance the biodegradability of the composites, thereby reducing waste generation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Catalina Diana Usurelu, Stefania Badila, Adriana Nicoleta Frone, Denis Mihaela Panaitescu
Summary: Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) is a promising material for packaging and biomedical fields due to its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and good properties. The addition of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) can improve its weaknesses and enhance its performance. Choosing the right processing technology and surface treatment for CNCs is crucial for obtaining good properties and interfacial adhesion in the resulting nanocomposites.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Caitlyn M. Clarkson, Sami M. El Awad Azrak, Endrina S. Forti, Gregory T. Schueneman, Robert J. Moon, Jeffrey P. Youngblood
Summary: Cellulose nanomaterials are strong, stiff, nontoxic, biodegradable, and sustainable, but face challenges in compatibility with man-made materials and commercialization efforts. Current research aims to address these challenges and improve properties to compete with existing materials.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Akira Isogai
Summary: Nanocelluloses have unique morphologies, characteristics, and surface nanostructures, and can be prepared from abundant and renewable plant biomass resources. They have the potential to contribute to the establishment of a sustainable society and help overcome global environmental issues. However, overcoming fundamental and application-related issues is necessary for the further expansion of nanocelluloses.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alessandro Ianiro, Jose Augusto Berrocal, Remco Tuinier, Michael Mayer, Christoph Weder
Summary: This paper presents a theoretical investigation on a new actuator design using anisotropic colloidal particles grafted with stimuli-responsive polymer chains. These artificial muscles combine the osmotic actuation principle of hydrogels with the structural alignment of colloidal liquid crystals for directional motion. The study identifies the solubility, degree of polymerization, salt concentration, and grafting density of the polymer chains as important factors for actuator performance and tunability. Computational results suggest that the proposed material matches or exceeds the performances of natural muscles, providing guidelines for the realization of artificial muscles with predefined actuation properties.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Koichiro Ishida, Tetsuo Kondo
Summary: The alignment of anisotropic nanomaterials affects their functions. Rod-like cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) form liquid crystals with self-ordering and exhibit unique optical properties. Native cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) are oriented and their orientation correlates with their mechanical strength and cell responses. A fabrication method for non-uniaxial, fingerprint-like alignment of CNFs using the Langmuir-Blodgett technique is proposed. The obtained Langmuir-Blodgett films of CNFs show anisotropic frictional properties depending on the orientation direction. This process for CNF ultrathin film fabrication can be used for novel surface design with desired structure-function correlations, providing anisotropic surface properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sohail Yasin, Munir Hussain, Qiang Zheng, Yihu Song
Summary: The study demonstrates that ionic liquid can improve the dispersion of cellulosic nanofillers and enhance the mechanical strength of vulcanizates. As the concentration of cellulosic nanofillers and ionic liquid increases, the viscoelastic rheological behavior of the vulcanizates is also affected.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Keya Ganguly, Hexiu Jin, Sayan Deb Dutta, Dinesh K. Patel, Tejal V. Patil, Ki-Taek Lim
Summary: This study focused on utilizing cellulose nanocrystals in an alginate silk fibroin matrix under a low-strength magnetic field to fabricate a magnetically aligned, anisotropic wound healing scaffold. The effect of the magnetic field on different concentrations of cellulose nanocrystals was studied to control the alignment of the scaffold. The fabricated scaffolds showed concentration-dependent anisotropy and enhanced mechanical stability, as well as promoting cell proliferation and wound closure.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yannick Nagel, Deeptanshu Sivaraman, Antonia Neels, Tanja Zimmermann, Shanyu Zhao, Gilberto Siqueira, Gustav Nystrom
Summary: This study presents a simple and versatile method for fabricating cellulose aerogels with controlled shape and thermal-mechanical properties using 3D printing technique. The printed aerogels exhibit higher thermal-mechanical properties compared to traditional manufacturing processes. This method allows customized structures for load-bearing insulating materials in thermal management.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xinping Zhang, Yuxin Guo, Xiaoyang Liu, Shun-Yu Wu, Ya-Xuan Zhu, Shao-Zhe Wang, Qiu-Yi Duan, Ke-Fei Xu, Zi-Heng Li, Xiao-Yu Zhu, Guang-Yu Pan, Fu-Gen Wu
Summary: This study develops a nanotrigger HCFT for simultaneous photodynamic therapy and light-triggered ferroptosis therapy. The nanotrigger can relieve tumor hypoxia, induce enhanced photodynamic reaction, and facilitate the continuation of Fenton reaction, ultimately leading to lethal ferroptosis in tumor cells.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Olumide Bolarinwa Ayodele, Toyin Daniel Shittu, Olayinka S. Togunwa, Dan Yu, Zhen-Yu Tian
Summary: This study focused on the semihydrogenation of acetylene in an ethylene-rich stream using two alloyed Pt catalysts PtCu and PtCo. The PtCu catalyst showed higher activity and ethylene yield compared to PtCo due to its higher unoccupied Pt d-orbital density. This indicates that alloying Pt with Cu is more promising for industrial relevant SHA catalyst.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Guowei Chen, Wen-Cheng Chen, Yaozu Su, Ruicheng Wang, Jia-Ming Jin, Hui Liang, Bingxue Tan, Dehua Hu, Shaomin Ji, Hao-Li Zhang, Yanping Huo, Yuguang Ma
Summary: This study proposes an intramolecular dual-locking design for organic luminescent materials, achieving high luminescence efficiency and performance for deep-blue organic light-emitting diodes. The material also exhibits unique mechanochromic luminescence behavior and strong fatigue resistance.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Joren van Stee, Gregory Hermans, Jinu Joseph John, Koen Binnemans, Tom Van Gerven
Summary: This work presents a continuous solvent extraction method for the separation of cobalt and nickel in a millifluidic system using Cyphos IL 101 (C101) as the extractant. The optimal conditions for extraction performance and solvent properties were determined by investigating the effects of channel length, flow rate, and temperature. The performance of a developed manifold structure was compared to a single-channel system, and excellent separation results were achieved. The continuous separation process using the manifold structure resulted in high purity cobalt and nickel products.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yan Xu, Jingai Jiang, Xinyi Lv, Hui Li, Dongliang Yang, Wenjun Wang, Yanling Hu, Longcai Liu, Xiaochen Dong, Yu Cai
Summary: A programmed gas release nanoparticle was developed to address the challenges in treating diabetic infected wounds. It effectively removes drug-resistant pathogens and remodels the wound microenvironment using NO and H2S. The nanoparticle can eliminate bacteria and promote wound healing through antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tong Xia, Zhilin Xi, Lianquan Suo, Chen Wang
Summary: This study investigated a highly efficient coal dust suppressant with low initial viscosity and high adhesion-solidification properties. The results demonstrated that the dust suppressant formed a network of multiple hydrogen bonding cross-linking and achieved effective adhesion and solidification of coal dust through various chemical reactions.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jinzhi Cai, Zhenshan Li
Summary: A density functional theory-based rate equation was developed to predict the gas-solid reaction kinetics of CaO carbonation with CO2 in calcium looping. The negative activation energy of CaO carbonation close to equilibrium was accurately predicted through experimental validation.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jianxiong Chen, Fuhao Ren, Ningning Yin, Jie Mao
Summary: This study presents an economically efficient and easily implementable surface modification approach to enhance the high-temperature electrical insulation and energy storage performance of polymer dielectrics. The self-assembly of high-insulation-performance boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) on the film surface through electrostatic interactions effectively impedes charge injection from electrodes while promoting charge dissipation and heat transfer.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zijian Li, Zhaohui Yang, Shao Wang, Hongxia Luo, Zhimin Xue, Zhenghui Liu, Tiancheng Mu
Summary: This study reports a strategy for upgrading polyester plastics into value-added chemicals using electrocatalytic methods. By inducing the targeted transfer of *OH species, polyethylene terephthalate was successfully upgraded into potassium diformate with high purity. This work not only develops an excellent electrocatalyst, but also provides guidance for the design of medium entropy metal oxides.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Navneet Singh Shekhawat, Surendra Kumar Patra, Ashok Kumar Patra, Bamaprasad Bag
Summary: This study primarily focuses on developing a sulphur dyeing process at room temperature using bacterial Lysate, which is environmentally friendly, energy and cost effective, and sustainable. The process shows promising improvements in dye uptake and fastness properties.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dengjia Shen, Hongyang Ma, Madani Khan, Benjamin S. Hsiao
Summary: This study developed cationic PVC nanofibrous membranes with high filtration and adsorption capability for the removal of bacteria and hexavalent chromium ions from wastewater. The membranes demonstrated remarkable performance in terms of filtration efficiency and maximum adsorption capacity. Additionally, modified nanofibrous membranes were produced using recycled materials and showed excellent retention rates in dynamic adsorption processes.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaoyan Wang, Zhikun Wang, Ben Jia, Chunling Li, Shuangqing Sun, Songqing Hu
Summary: Inspired by photosystem II, self-supported Fe-doped NiCoP nanowire arrays modified with carboxylate were constructed to boost industrial-level overall water splitting by employing the concerted proton-coupled electron transfer mechanism. The introduction of Fe and carboxyl ligand led to improved catalytic activity for HER and OER, and NCFCP@NF exhibited long-term durability for overall water splitting.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pengyao Yu, Ge Yang, Yongming Chai, Lubomira Tosheva, Chunzheng Wang, Heqing Jiang, Chenguang Liu, Hailing Guo
Summary: Thin LTA zeolite membranes were prepared through secondary growth of nano LTA seeds in a highly reactive gel, resulting in membranes with superior permeability and selectivity in gas separation applications.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Baiqin Zhou, Huiping Li, Ziyu Wang, Hui Huang, Yujun Wang, Ruichun Yang, Ranran Huo, Xiaoyan Xu, Ting Zhou, Xiaochen Dong
Summary: The use of machine learning to predict the performance of specific adsorbents in phosphate adsorption shows great promise in saving time and revealing underlying mechanisms. However, the small size of the dataset and insufficient detailed information limits the model training process and the accuracy of results. To address this, the study employs a fuzzing strategy that replaces detailed numeric information with descriptive text messages on the physiochemical properties of adsorbents. This strategy allows the recovery of discarded samples with limited information, leading to accurate prediction of adsorption amount, capacity, and kinetics. The study also finds that phosphate uptake by adsorbents is generally through physisorption, with some involvement of chemisorption. The framework established in this study provides a practical approach for quickly predicting phosphate adsorption performance in urgent scenarios, using easily accessible information.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Paula Alejandra Lamprea Pineda, Joren Bruneel, Kristof Demeestere, Lisa Deraedt, Tex Goetschalckx, Herman Van Langenhove, Christophe Walgraeve
Summary: This study evaluates the use of four esterified fatty acids and three vegetable oils as absorption liquids for hydrophobic VOCs. The experimental results show that isopropyl myristate is the most efficient liquid for absorbing the target VOCs.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)