Green microwave-assisted synthesis of cellulose/calcium silicate nanocomposites in ionic liquids and recycled ionic liquids

Fabrication of biomass materials by a microwave-assisted method in ionic liquids allows the high value-added applications of biomass by combining three major green chemistry principles: using environmentally preferable solvents, using an environmentally friendly method, and making use of renewable biomass materials. Herein, we report a rapid and green microwave-assisted method for the synthesis of the cellulose/calcium silicate nanocomposites in ionic liquids and recycled ionic liquids. These calcium silicate nanoparticles or nanosheets as prepared were homogeneously dispersed in the cellulose matrix. The experimental results confirm that the ionic liquids can be used repeatedly. Of course, the slight differences were also observed using ionic liquids and recycled ionic liquids. Compared with other conventional methods, the rapid, green, and environmentally friendly microwave-assisted method in ionic liquids opens a new window to the high value-added applications of biomass. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.