Cation/macromolecule interaction in alkaline cellulose solution characterized with pulsed field-gradient spin-echo NMR spectroscopy

As a breakthrough to the traditional H-1 diffusometry, the interaction of cations with cellulose is investigated via Li-7 and Na-23 PFG-SE NMR. The diffusion coefficient of Li+ decreases more than that of Na+ with the addition of cellulose, which indicates a stronger binding of LiOH with the macromolecule. Therefore, a new, facile, accurate and repeatable method to characterize ion/polymer interactions is established.