Shape tunability of carbonized cellulose nanocrystals

Bioderived scaffolds are largely used as template for the synthesis of drugs and materials. Among biomass sources, cellulose has been used as platform for numerous conversions and applications. In this study, we report the use of crystalline microstructured cellulose as feedstock for microstructured carbon production. Different morphologies were produced according to pyrolytic conditions ranging from sphere, needle and carbon-on-carbon-decorated surfaces. All the materials were characterized using spectroscopic techniques (i.e., Raman, FTIR), FESEM and thermogravimetric analysis. Hypothetical reaction pathways were proposed for describing materials shape and properties. In particular, for cellulose nanocrystals, the thermal treatments induced noteworthy electrical properties that could be applied for the production of conductive composites.