Ultrafast and energy-saving extraction of cellulose nanocrystals

As a gift of natural resource, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have shown great prospects in various industrial applications. However, their green synthesis in a highly efficient and energy-saving way is still challenging. Herein, we present a green, energy-saving, and high-efficiency way to extract CNCs by NaOH granule-activated ammonium persulfate (APS) oxidation. There are multiple synergistic effects among APS, NaOH and cellulose raw materials on promoting the decomposition of APS to form a large amount of SO4-, which can hydrolyze a disordered region and thus release the crystalline part of cellulose sources. Of particular note, with the addition of NaOH solid granules rather than solution, the dissolution heat of NaOH can be efficiently utilized to accelerate the preparation process, thereby reducing the energy consumption in the process of CNC isolation. This rapid and energy-saving strategy should find favor in the industrial production and application of CNCs.

Automated summary

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have great potential in various industrial applications, but their green synthesis in an energy-efficient way remains challenging. In this study, a green, energy-saving, and high-efficiency method for extracting CNCs is proposed using NaOH granule-activated ammonium persulfate (APS) oxidation. By utilizing the synergistic effects of APS, NaOH, and cellulose raw materials, the decomposition of APS is promoted, resulting in the release of the crystalline part of cellulose sources. The addition of NaOH solid granules enables efficient utilization of the dissolution heat, reducing energy consumption in the CNC isolation process.