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Photocatalytic degrading pollutants driven by visible-light irradiation has attracted tremendous attention. One strategy of preparing carbonized cellulose nanofibrils/Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene/g-C 3 N 4 (CMCN) as a photocatalyst was developed. The as-prepared CMCN was comprehensively characterized in terms of the chemical composition, chemical and crystal structure, morphology, and photoelectrochemical properties. The CMCN was explored as a photocatalyst and exhibited good photocatalytic performance in degrading MB (96.5%), RhB (95.4%), and TC (86.5%) under visible-light conditions. In addition, the CMCN as a photocatalyst exhibited good reusability and stability. It is found that the incorporation of cellulose nanofibrils provided a high carbon content, a high porosity, and a large specific surface area, enhanced the electron transfer, improved the photocatalytic performance, and ensured a semiconductor with a high stability. It is believed that this study would provide an effective approach to preparing a photocatalyst and broaden the potential application of cellulose nanofibrils in photocatalysis.

Research on nanocomposite film from natural polymers such as cellulose and chitosan is of great importance to promote the development and highly efficient utilization of green and renewable bioresources. In this study, enzymatic pretreatment cellulose nanofibril (ETCNF) derived from licorice residues was prepared, and further processed into nanocomposite film with addition of chitosan nanofibril (CHN). This study focused on the effects of CHN dosage on the main properties of resultant nanocomposite film in terms of crystallinity, thermal stability, light transmittance, hydrophobicity, mechanical properties, and antibacterial activity. The results showed that ETCNF/CHN nanocomposite film exhibited good hydrophobicity especially at higher dosage of CHN, good light transmittance and mechanical properties (tensile strain can reach 39.6 MPa for ETCNF/CHN-10.0%). The as-prepared ETCNF/CHN nanocomposite film also showed good antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli. It was expected that the ETCNF/CHN nanocomposite film would help to realize transformation and high value-added utilization of these biomass residues., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

It is important to make full utilization of industrial biomass residues. Pulp was prepared from licorice residues by soda-anthraquinone pulping followed by peroxyacetic acid bleaching. Cellulose nanofibril was obtained by enzymatic pretreatment followed by homogenization of the pulp (ETCNF). The effects of enzymatic pretreatment on ETCNF were investigated. Chitosan nanofibril (CHN) and lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) were prepared and used for ETCNF composites, respectively. The results showed that ETCNF exhibited clear nanofibrillar structure and a highly relative colloidal stability, and a much higher crystallinity index and thermal stability compared to TEMPO-medicated oxidized one; the cellulose composite films incorporated with CHN or LNPs exhibited good thermal stability and hydrophobicity. Compared with ETCNF film, ETCNF@LNPs-5.0% film showed higher UV-blocking ability and thermal stability, but reduced light transmittance, while ETCNF@CHN-5.0% film showed improved mechanical properties and similar light transmittance. This study would expend licorice residues as potential materials for CNF and its applications., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Under the situation of increasingly severe challenge of energy consumption, it is of great importance to make full use of bioresources such as forestry and agricultural residues. Herein, the corncob residues generated after processing corncob were enzymatically hydrolyzed to yield fermentable sugars. To overcome the recalcitrance of corncob residues, three kinds of pretreatment methods, i.e., sulfonation, PFI refining, and wet grinding, were applied; their effects on enzymatic hydrolysis and main characteristics of corncob residues substrate were investigated. The results showed that the enzymatic digestibility of the substrate was greatly enhanced by employing each method. The wet grinding exhibited obvious advantages, e.g., the conversion yield of cellulose to glucose and glucose concentration reached 96.7% and 32.2 g/L after 59 h of enzymatic hydrolysis, respectively. The improvement in enzymatic hydrolysis was mainly attributed to the altered characteristics of the substrate such as swelling ability, specific surface area, and particle size and distribution., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Three different pre-extraction methods (i.e., acetic acid, sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide) were used for the pretreatment followed by chemi-thermomechanical treatments and then enzymatic hydrolysis of wheat straw to produce fermentable sugars. The performance of enzymatic hydrolysis by the synergistic effect of pre-extractions and chemi-thermomechanical treatments was remarkable. Results showed that the pre-extraction combining with the chemi-thermomechanical treatments shorten the enzymatic hydrolysis time and improved the glucose yield at the same enzyme loadings. The chemical components, swelling ability, and crystallinity, as well as the surface morphology of the substrates were changed obviously. All of these changes can affect the accessibility of enzymes to cellulose in the substrates to a certain extent., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Nanocrystalline cellulose (CNC) as a renewable/sustainable material, has received much attention. Herein we studied CNC as carriers for a hydrophobic spirooxazine (SO)-based dye, 1,3-dihydro-1,3,3-trimethylspiro[2H-indole-2,3'-[3H]naphtha[2,1-b][1,4]oxazine], which may have potential applications in reversible memory photo-devices, textiles, photo-sensitive paper coatings, and inkjet printing inks. Due to the high cost and water-insolubility of this dye, it is desirable to improve its coloration efficiency and water-dispersibility. The experimental approach was to use CNC as carriers for the SO dye, thus obtaining a stable photochromic dye in aqueous systems. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) observation confirmed that the SO dye adsorbed on the surface of the CNC, which functioned as carriers for the photochromic dye. An impregnation process was adopted to anchor the dye onto cellulosic paper. It was found that the use of CNC resulted in a significant improvement in the SO coloration efficiency. The color stability and fatigue resistance were also studied. The use of CNC as carriers for a hydrophobic compound, its enhancement of associated properties, and its subsequent application were demonstrated., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

As the rapid increasing demand for electrical energy in the world, the research on electrical energy storage becomes urgent and crucial, especially for these ones with the features of cost-effectiveness, high safety and outstanding performance. Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) are regarded as environmentally friendly, safe, reliable, and promising devices for electrochemical energy storage systems. However, a variety of challenges such as zinc dendrite formation, corrosion and hydrogen evolution must be addressed for the practical, widespread application of AZIBs. Recently, there has been notable interest in utilizing renewable, biodegradable, and cost-effective lignocellulosic materials to address these challenges, as they have the potential to significantly improve the electrochemical performance of AZIBs. However, there is a lack of comprehensive and systematic summary, as well as a gap in theoretical analysis, on the role of lignocellulosic materials in improving AZIBs performance. The present review covers the development, concept, advantages, and challenges of AZIBs. The most recent advancements and progress on the lignocellulosic materials (including cellulose, lignin, and hemicelluloses) as electrodes, electrolytes and separators for AZIBs applications are summarized. A perspective on existing challenges, potential solutions, and promising prospects of lignocellulosic materials is outlined, aiming to provide the research community with essential technical insights that could drive the commercialization of green and sustainable lignocellulosic materials in high-performance AZIBs. [Display omitted] • The advantages and current challenges of AZIBs have been systematically discussed. • The recent progress of developing lignocellulosic materials for AZIBs has been reviewed. • The strategies for improving the performance of AZIBs via incorporating lignocellulosic materials have been summarized. • The challenges and perspectives in developing lignocellulosic materials for advanced AZIBs have been addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A kind of antimicrobial fibers, a composite of Chitosan-Dialdehyde Cellulose (C-DAC) fibers, was prepared by using commercially elemental chlorine-free (ECF) bleached kraft softwood cellulose fibers oxidized by periodate and then further grafted by chitosan with different molecular weights. The characteristics of the C-DAC fibers and physical properties as well as antimicrobial activities of the handsheet made of C-DAC fibers were measured. The results show that the dry and rewet tensile indices, antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, can be improved significantly as the molecular weight of grafted chitosan on the dialdehyde cellulose fibers decreases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

As the promising anode material of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), SiO 2 has high theoretical capacity, but the volume expansion severely hinders its application. To address the challenge, inspired by the highly flexible spider-web architecture, the SiO 2 @carbonized polyaniline/carbonized 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO)-oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (SiO 2 @cPANI/cTOCNFs) composite was designed, and fabricated via carbonizing the freeze-dried SiO 2 @PANI/TOCNFs. The resultant SiO 2 @cPANI/cTOCNFs composite exhibited unique spider-web-like nanostructures, providing a double-layer carbon network to protect SiO 2 anode material. The results showed that, the SiO 2 @cPANI/cTOCNFs composite as anode material of LIBs offered a reversible capacity of 1103 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.1 A g−1 after 200 cycles, and gave a capacity of 302 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at a current density of 1 A g−1, exhibiting excellent cycling stability. This study provides a strategy of spider-web-inspired cellulose nanofibrils networking polyaniline-encapsulated silica nanoparticles as anode material of LIBs. [Display omitted] • SiO2@cPANI/cTOCNFs composite was proposed and fabricated. • TOCNFs in composite provided a carbon protection layer and spider-web-like structure. • SiO2 anode material in the composite is protected by a double-layer carbon network. • SiO2@cPANI/cTOCNFs composite exhibited excellent electrochemical performance [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We impart photochromatism into cellulose paper by impregnating stable spirooxazine (SO). [•] We examine polystyrene acrylic latex as the carrier/dispersant for the hydrophobic SO. [•] Latex-dispersed SO can significantly improve its photochromic efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) have been regarded as green solvents in the biorefinery of lignocellulosic biomass, but long duration time has severely limited efficiency. The microwave-assisted DES pretreatment along with enzymatic hydrolysis and high-pressure homogenization process was proposed to produce lignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils (LCNF) from corncob. Benefiting from microwave-assisted DES pretreatment, the duration time was greatly shortened; meanwhile the effects of different kinds of DES on the resultant LCNF were investigated. The results showed that, the microwave-assisted DES fabricated LCNF (M-LCNF) was successfully obtained, exhibiting good nano size, thermal stability, colloidal stability, and fluorescence. M-LCNF was further introduced into phytic acid (PA) enhanced poly(acrylamide- co -acrylic acid) (P(AM-co-AA)) network and constructed composite conductive hydrogels (PLP). The obtained hydrogels exhibited good mechanical strength, UV blocking ability, fluorescence, and conductivity. A simple battery assembled with the resultant PLP as electrolyte had an out voltage of 2.41 V. The composite conductive hydrogel showed good sensing performance towards different stimuli (e.g., stretching and compression) and human motions in real time. It is expected that this research would provide an alternative way for green fabrication of LCNF and potential application of LCNF in flexible sensors. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignocellulosic biomass exhibits a promising potential for production of carbon materials. Nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped carbon quantum dots (N,P-CQDs) were fabricated via (NH 4) 2 HPO 4 assisted hydrothermal treatment of cellulose pulp fibers. The as-prepared N,P-CQDs were characterized by HRTEM, FTIR, fluorescence and UV–vis, and then incorporated into g-C 3 N 4 (CN) through sonication and liquid deposition, forming N,P-CQDs/sonication treated g-C 3 N 4 (C-SCN) composites, which were then explored as photocatalysts. The photocatalytic ability of C-SCN towards model lignin was further analyzed. The results showed that, the fluorescence intensity and photoluminescence performance of N,P-CQDs were much higher than that of CQDs; the heterojunction was successfully constructed between the composites of N,P-CQDs and SCN; the incorporation of N,P-CQDs enhanced the visible light absorption, but reduced the band gap of the composite heterojunction; the resultant photocatalysts exhibited a good photocatalytic ability of model lignin via catalyze the fracture of β –O–4′ ether bond and C C bond, i.e., the photocatalytic degradation ratio reached up to 95.5 %; and the photocatalytic reaction generated some valuable organics such as phenyl formate, benzaldehyde, and benzoic acid. This study would promote the high value-added utilization of lignocellulosic resources especially in the transformation of lignin, conforming the concept of sustainable development. • Nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped CQDs was prepared from cellulose pulp. • N,P-CQDs exhibited a much better optical properties than CQDs. • N,P-CQDs/g-C 3 N 4 composites were fabricated and explored as photocatalysts. • N,P-CQDs enhanced photocatalytic capacity of CQDs/g-C 3 N 4 towards lignin model. • Some valuable chemicals were generated during the photocatalytic reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Two approaches were applied for delignification of corncob residues. • CNF was successfully extracted from corncob residues and characterized. • Cellulose nanopaper from CNF of corncob residues was fabricated. • Cellulose nanopaper exhibits good strength, optical and thermal properties. Abstract In this study, a strong and optically transparent nanopaper was fabricated from cellulose nanofibril (CNF) of corncob residues, an abundant byproduct from the processing of corncobs. Two processes were applied to successfully generate CNF from corncob residues. The resultant CNF mainly consists of fibers with diameter (height) of about 1.0 − 5.0 nm on average. The results showed that the as-prepared cellulose nanopaper (CNP) exhibited good strength, optical and thermal properties, with the tensile strength and tensile fracture strain of CNP being 65.3 MPa and 2.3%, respectively; the optical transmittance was close to 90% in the visible range; the highest degradation peak temperature was about 290 °C; the water contact angle at 30 s was 68.2°; A-CNP showed much higher optical properties and hydrophobicity, similar thermal ability, but slightly lower strength properties, compared with B-CNP. It can be seen that corncob residues are suitable choice of raw material for cellulose nanopaper, and is expected to find similar applications in flexible electronics and energy products as those of other raw materials used for this purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • One monolayer Janus bio-nanocomposite film with stimulus response is developed. • Janus structure and bonding intensity is obtained by incorporating nanocellulose into PVA. • Asymmetric structure, good mechanical properties, and water-resistance are realized. • Janus bio-nanocomposite film exhibits a smart and controllable responsiveness to salts. • Janus bio-nanocomposite film based actuators are controllably designed and explored. Stimuli-responsive materials have been increasingly explored to construct actuators and develop soft robots. Herein, one strategy via regulating lignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils (LCNF) distribution in PVA network followed by alkaline treatment (AT) and pre-stretching to fabricate bio-nanocomposite derived Janus films with stimulus response is proposed. LCNF/PVA-AT film displays obvious asymmetric structure, good mechanical properties, and water-resistance. Based on Janus structure and Hofmeister effect of PVA in salt solution, the applied pre-stretching treatment further enables the as-prepared LCNF/PVA-AT film with an excellently smart and controllable responsiveness to salt solutions. In addition, by adjusting some factors including length–width ratio of the film, salt type and concentration, the deformation degree and response/recovery time of LCNF/PVA-AT film and its based actuators can be controllably designed. The study will enrich the development of green, sustainable and biodegradable polymers derived Janus films, and expand their wide potential applications in multifunctional actuators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabrication and valorization of carbon quantum dots from lignocellulosic biomass is of significant importance. Herein, this study presents a simple and controllable route to prepare nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped CQDs (N,P-CQDs) in a one-pot synthesis from cellulose pulp. The subsequent fractionation based on molecular weight yielded three fractions of N,P-CQDs, i.e. , N,P-CQDs-3500, N,P-CQDs-1000, and N,P-CQDs-500. The characteristics of each fraction N,P-CQDs were comprehensively evaluated. The fractionation endowed each fraction of N,P-CQDs with unique and different properties. The results showed that the resultant of N,P-CQDs were explored as a probe for pH detection, metal ions detection, and cell imaging. N,P-CQDs-500 exhibited unique selectivity towards Fe(II), which is novel and of importance in the biological process. The N,P-CQDs-1000 is sensitive to pH and has the potential to be a pH probe. The N,P-CQDs-3500 showed excellent bio-imaging ability in five cancer cells, and different performance on suspension and adherent cells. This study will not only help to expand the applications of lignocellulosic biomass for preparing CQDs, but also help to achieve upgrading of cellulose pulp into a high value-added product. [Display omitted] • Nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped CQDs was prepared from cellulose pulp. • Three different fractions were controllably fabricated from N,P-CQDs. • Each fraction of N,P-CQDs exhibited different and unique properties. • Fluorescence properties, pH stability, and cell imaging were observed for N,P-CQDs. • Fractionation enhanced sensitivity of N,P-CQDs towards Fe(III), Fe(II) and Ag(I). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignocellulosic biomass-derived nanocellulose has been attracting more and more attentions due to its distinguished advantages and various applications, but its development has been restricted by the preparation especially with environmental friendly approach. Herein, lignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils (LCNF) was prepared from corncob via the combined pretreatment of choline chloride-based DES (ChCl-DES) and enzymatic hydrolysis followed by high-pressure homogenization. The effects of different types of ChCl-DES on the properties of LCNF were investigated and compared. The results showed that LCNF can be successfully fabricated through the combined pretreatments; the LCNF had an average diameter of 60–90 nm, exhibited good fluorescence, high thermal stability (up to 353 °C of T max), hydrophobicity, stability, and redispersibility in organic solvent; AC-LCNF showed well oriented arrangement, the highest hydrophobicity and fluorescence, and distinguished redispersibility especially in DMSO. ChCl-DES as one green and sustainable approach would realize efficient separation and high value-added utilization of agricultural residues. [Display omitted] • LCNF was successfully prepared from corncob via combined pretreatment. • Choline chloride-based DES was effectively used to pretreat corncob. • Different types of ChCl-DES on the properties of LCNF were explored and compared. • LCNF had good properties such as size, fluorescence, and thermal stability. • AC-LCNF had good arrangement, fluorescence intensity, and redispersibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient and low-cost approach to preparing CNFs with succinic acid hydrolysis and NaClO 2 oxidation is explored. High-temperature-short-time hydrolysis can depolymerize the cellulose, whereas the dispersibility of the CNFs is hugely enhanced by NaClO 2 oxidation under alkaline condition. The degradation of cellulose in succinic acid hydrolysis follows first-order reaction kinetics and is severely influenced by the hydrolysis temperature, moreover, the molecular chains of the cellulose are seriously cracked under the optimized condition. The NaClO 2 oxidation greatly improves the zeta potential (−36.2 mV) and the dispersibility of the CNFs. The obtained CNFs have an ultimate yield of 94.6%, and the diameter distribution is mainly within 20–40 nm. In addition, some amount of carboxyl groups in the cellulose will be instead of the hydroxyl groups, and the crystallinity of the CNFs is significantly increased. • Succinic acid hydrolysis and NaClO 2 oxidation were utilized to prepare CNFs. • High-temperature-short-time hydrolysis could control the cellulose degradation. • NaClO 2 oxidation greatly improves the dispersibility of CNFs. • The yield of CNFs was about 94.6%, with a diameter distribution of 20–40 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A porous SiO 2 /C composite was fabricated using wood pulp fiber as scaffold. • Alkali pretreatment could endow prepared SiO 2 /C composite with tubular morphology. • Si element can be distributed on the surface and inner wall of the SiO 2 /C composite. • The prepared SiO 2 /C composite exhibited a high initial coulombic efficiency. The microfibrils of wood pulp fibers in plant cell wall with an intrinsically regular and interlaced arrangement offer a stable porous structure. They could also provide outstanding mechanical strength and promote conductivity for Si-based materials. Upon these benefits, a method using wood pulp fibers to fabricate SiO 2 /C composite is proposed. In this work, the alkali pretreatment interfering hydrogen bonds in wood pulp fibers in situ results in an enlarged spatial distance among cellulose microfibrils, exposing more free-surface. This empowered homogenously inlaid SiO 2 distribution along the carbon skeleton in the subsequent carbonization process. A highly mesoporous and the tubular morphology was achieved in the fabricated SiO 2 /C composite. Furthermore, a high initial coulombic efficiency of 84.9 % and reversible specific capacity of 1130 mA h g−1 with a coulombic efficiency of 98.8 % after 200 cycles at a current density of 0.1 A g−1 was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Corncob lignin nanoparticles were successfully prepared, characterized, and used as UV absorber. • CLNPs were incorporated into CNF to fabricate cellulose composite film. • Effects of CLNPs amount on UV resistance of CNF@CLNPs composite film were analyzed. • CNF@CLNPs composite film exhibited good UV resistance and antibacterial activity. Research on biodegradable cellulose composite film with unique properties is of significance to alleviate current dependency on petroleum-based polymers, and to promote highly efficient utilization of lignocellulosic biomass. Lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) have been considered as a promising material for high value-added products. In this study, LNPs were prepared from corncob lignin via anti-solvent precipitation method, and then characterized by FTIR, TGA, AFM, and NMR. The CNF@CLNPs composite film was fabricated by blending CLNPs with CNF. The results showed that the CLNPs had an average diameter of about 118 nm, meanwhile the main structures and properties of corncob lignin were maintained. The CNF@CLNPs composite film exhibited a high ultraviolet resistance, and a good antibacterial activity against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. It is expected that the CNF@CLNPs composite film would have potential applications in outdoor materials and food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]