A facile one-step way for extraction of nanocellulose with high yield by ball milling with ionic liquid

93.1% yield of nanocellulose was successfully extracted from cellulose powder (CP) by planetary ball milling in the presence of ionic liquid (IL) of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIMCl). The morphology of nanofibrillated cellulose present in fibrous network with 10-25 nm in diameter and micrometer scale in length and the chemical composition and crystal structure were maintained as cellulose type I. At 600 A degrees C degradation temperature, the residue amount of the obtained nanocellulose was about 55% more that of CP, implying it had higher thermal stability. The used BMIMCl was recovered and reused at least 4 times. The nanocellulose obtained by using the recovered IL also demonstrated the same properties as those from the fresh one. For comparison, another kind of IL of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (EMIMOAc) was also used in this study. It is found that the ball milling of cellulose in the presence of IL is an effective and environmental friendly way for the production of nanocellulose with high yield.