Preparation of cellulose aerogels as a nano-biomaterial from lignocellulosic biomass

Abstract

Cellulose aerogels were prepared from various delignified wood fibers by using a peracetic acid pretreatment. The effect of the treatment conditions was evaluated to find the optimum condition for the production of a functional cellulose aerogel for use as a nano-biomaterial. The morphologies and the physical properties of the delignified wood fibers were analyzed and compared according to the various conditions of pretreatment. The density and the microstructure were studied for cellulose aerogels produced from delignified wood fibers. The results showed that peracetic acid pretreatment did not have a considerable effect on the average fiber length and the surface; however, acid hydrolysis caused a decrease in the viscosity of the wood fibers and an increase in their density and destroyed the microstructure. According to these results minimizing cellulose degradation while wood pulping is an important consideration in the preparation of cellulose aerogels.