Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “CELLULOSE”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 343 records · Page 19
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Catalytic conversion of cellulose and its derived sugars to 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural, levulinate esters, and sorbitol: a comprehensive review

Cellulose, an abundant, renewable, and sustainable non-edible carbon source from agriculture and forestry, has attracted great attention for producing diverse value-added chemicals and fuels. However, the rigid 3D structure of cellulose, maintained by an extensive hydrogen bonding network, hinders chemical conversion, requiring effective pretreatment to break down the crystalline structure. High-value cellulose-derived compounds such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), levulinate esters, and sorbitol, recognized as critical platform chemicals by the U.S. Department of Energy, are particularly attractive for versatile applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of methodologies for the chemical synthesis of 5-HMF, levulinate esters, and sorbitol, focusing on direct catalytic conversion of cellulose. It delves into recent advancements in reaction systems and catalysts, highlighting catalytic pathways, selectivity, strategies for process optimization, and computational approaches, while discussing the challenges associated with the catalytic conversion of cellulose into these high-value products and offering potential strategies for enhancing future catalytic processes.

Huang, Kaixuan [Yancheng Teachers Univ. (China); N↗
DOE OSTI2024

Molecular insights into the in situ early-stage assembly of metal–organic frameworks on cellulose nanofibrils

The integration of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) into renewable matrices, including those derived from cellulose, to create cellulose/MOF hybrids has attracted significant interest due to the synergistic combination of cellulosic biopolymer properties and MOFs' multifunctional features. The interfacial interactions between cellulose and MOF not only ensure stable bonding, but ultimately also determine the bulk physical properties of the macroscopic composites. However, the mechanistic understanding of the in situ assembly between the two materials remains unclear. In this study, we employ a combination study of synthesis, experimental characterization, and molecular dynamics simulations to explore the early-stage assembly of a cellulose/MOF hybrid. Our results revealed that the growth of MOF clusters on the 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (TOCNF) follows an inhomogeneous sequential transformation pathway. The carboxylates of TOCNF form coordination-like bonds with the metal ions, while the hydroxyl groups of TOCNF form hydrogen bonds with MOF ligands. These interactions provide the initial nucleation sites that mediate the growth of MOF clusters and also guide the assembly of larger MOF clusters onto the TOCNF substrate. In conclusion, the fundamental insights into the in situ assembly of MOF nanoparticles on cellulosic substrates are essential for the rational design of high-performance materials with tailored morphology and optimized properties.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2020

Cellulose synthase interactive1- and microtubule-dependent cell wall architecture is required for acid growth in Arabidopsis hypocotyls

Auxin-induced cell elongation relies in part on the acidification of the cell wall, a process known as acid growth that presumably triggers expansin-mediated wall loosening via altered interactions between cellulose microfibrils. Cellulose microfibrils are a major determinant for anisotropic growth and they provide the scaffold for cell wall assembly. Little is known about how acid growth depends on cell wall architecture. To explore the relationship between acid growth-mediated cell elongation and plant cell wall architecture, two mutants (jia1-1 and csi1-3) that are defective in cellulose biosynthesis and cellulose microfibril organization were analyzed. The study revealed that cell elongation is dependent on CSI1-mediated cell wall architecture but not on the overall crystalline cellulose content. We observed a correlation between loss of crossed-polylamellate walls and loss of auxin- and fusicoccin-induced cell growth in csi1-3. Furthermore, induced loss of crossed-polylamellate walls via disruption of cortical microtubules mimics the effect of csi1 in acid growth. We hypothesize that CSI1- and microtubule-dependent crossed-polylamellate walls are required for acid growth in Arabidopsis hypocotyls.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2011

X-ray Coherent Diffraction Imaging of Cellulose Fibrils in Situ

Cellulose is the most abundant renewable source of organic molecules on earth[1]. As fossil fuel reserves become depleted, the use of cellulose as a feed stock for fuels and chemicals is being aggressively explored. Cellulose is a linear polymer of glucose that packs tightly into crystalline fibrils that make up a substantial proportion of plant cell walls. Extraction of the cellulose chains from these fibrils in a chemically benign process has proven to be a substantial challenge [2]. Monitoring the deconstruction of the fibrils in response to physical and chemical treatments would expedite the development of efficient processing methods. As a step towards achieving that goal, we here describe Bragg-coherent diffraction imaging (CDI) as an approach to producing images of cellulose fibrils in situ within vascular bundles from maize.

Lal, Jyotsana↗
NASA NTRS1973

Single-cell protein from waste cellulose

The recycle, reuse, or reclamation of single cell protein from liquid and solid agricultural waste fibers by a fermentation process is reported. It is shown that cellulose comprises the bulk of the fibers at 50% to 55% of the dry weight of the refuse and that its biodegradability is of prime importance in the choice of a substrate. The application of sodium hydroxide followed by heat and pressure serves to de-polymerize and disrupt lignin structure while swelling the cellulose to increase water uptake and pore volume. Some of the lignin, hemi-celluloses, ash, and cellulose of the material is hydrolized and solubilized. Introduction of microorganisms to the substrate fibers mixed with nutrients produces continuous fermentation of cellulose for further protein extraction and purification.

Dunlap, C. E.↗
DOE OSTI2011

Method of forming an electrically conductive cellulose composite

An electrically conductive cellulose composite includes a cellulose matrix and an electrically conductive carbonaceous material incorporated into the cellulose matrix. The electrical conductivity of the cellulose composite is at least 10 .mu.S/cm at 25.degree. C. The composite can be made by incorporating the electrically conductive carbonaceous material into a culture medium with a cellulose-producing organism, such as Gluconoacetobacter hansenii. The composites can be used to form electrodes, such as for use in membrane electrode assemblies for fuel cells.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Methods of pretreating comminuted cellulosic material with carbonate-containing solutions

Methods of pretreating comminuted cellulosic material with an acidic solution and then a carbonate-containing solution to produce a pretreated cellulosic material are provided. The pretreated material may then be further treated in a pulping process, for example, a soda-anthraquinone pulping process, to produce a cellulose pulp. The pretreatment solutions may be extracted from the pretreated cellulose material and selectively re-used, for example, with acid or alkali addition, for the pretreatment solutions. The resulting cellulose pulp is characterized by having reduced lignin content and increased yield compared to prior art treatment processes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Relaxation dynamics of water in the vicinity of cellulose nanocrystals

Water molecules near cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs; produced via the sulfuric acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of wood pulp) are believed to relax slower than those in the bulk liquid, which may result in unique properties of CNC aqueous dispersions. Herein this study analyzed the polarization behavior of water molecules in CNC aqueous dispersions and other reference samples using a dielectric relaxation spectroscopy (DRS) technique in the microwave frequency range (0.2–20 GHz). As the CNC concentration increases, two slow relaxation components become prominent. The comparison with DRS data of aqueous dispersions of nanoporous silica, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and hairy CNC (HCNC) with amorphous chains protruding from both ends suggested that these slow relaxation modes of water near CNC surfaces cannot be attributed to direct hydrogen bonding interactions with the hydroxyl (OH) groups exposed and immobilized at the solid surface. Instead, they are similar to the water molecules interacting with OH groups attached to flexible polymer chains. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the polarization behavior of water near the (110) facet of cellulose Iβ crystals confirmed that the interactions of water molecules with the cellulose crystal surface do not cause slower relaxations in the frequency range studied via the DRS. These results indicated that the CNC surface cannot be depicted with the crystallographic facets of cellulose Iβ; instead, it resembles a polymer-brush surface on which the short glucan residues or fragments of the strong acid-catalyzed hydrolysis process are swollen and extended into the aqueous phase.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2011

Inhibition of Trehalose Breakdown Increases New Carbon Partitioning into Cellulosic Biomass in Nicotiana tabacum

Validamycin A was used to inhibit in vivo trehalase activity in tobacco enabling the study of subsequent changes in new C partitioning into cellulosic biomass and lignin precursors. After 12-h exposure to treatment, plants were pulse labeled using radioactive {sup 11}CO{sub 2}, and the partitioning of isotope was traced into [{sup 11}C]cellulose and [{sup 11}C]hemicellulose, as well as into [{sup 11}C]phenylalanine, the precursor for lignin. Over this time course of treatment, new carbon partitioning into hemicellulose and cellulose was increased, while new carbon partitioning into phenylalanine was decreased. This trend was accompanied by a decrease in phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity. After 4 d of exposure to validamycin A, we also measured leaf protein content and key C and N metabolite pools. Extended treatment increased foliar cellulose and starch content, decreased sucrose, and total amino acid and nitrate content, and had no effect on total protein.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Comparison of Hydrogels Prepared with Ionic-Liquid-Isolated vs Commercial Chitin and Cellulose

Physical and/or covalently linked (chemical) hydrogels were prepared from chitin and cellulose extracted with ionic liquid from shrimp shells and wood biomass, respectively, and compared with hydrogels prepared from commercially available biopolymers, practical grade chitin, and microcrystalline cellulose. The highly porous aerogels were formed by initial dissolution of the biopolymers in NaOH/urea aqueous systems using freeze/thaw cycles, followed by thermal treatment (with or without epichlorohydrin as a cross-linker) and supercritical CO 2 drying. The ionic-liquid-extracted cellulose pulp and chitin, as well as practical grade chitin could form both stable physical and chemical hydrogels, whereas biopolymers of lower apparent molecular weight such as microcrystalline cellulose required a covalent cross-linker for hydrogel formation and commercially available pure chitin was not suitable for the preparation of hydrogels of either type. Hydrogels prepared from the ionic-liquid- extracted biopolymers exhibited properties substantially different from those made from the commercially available biopolymers. As a result, loading of an active ingredient into the hydrogel and its subsequent release was demonstrated using indigo carmine and revealed that the release rate was controlled mainly by the biopolymer concentration of the gel network.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2018

Cellulose synthase complexes display distinct dynamic behaviors during xylem transdifferentiation

Significance Cellulose, the most abundant biopolymer on earth, is the major constituent of plant cell walls and is ubiquitously used by industry. This biopolymer is made by plasma membrane-localized CELLULOSE SYNTHASE (CESA) enzymes. To transit from deposition of a growing primary cell wall to a strong secondary cell wall, xylem cells must remodel the CESA machinery to express a new set of CESA isoforms specific to secondary cell wall synthesis. We outline a detailed framework for how this change in cellulose synthesis occurs. Our work provides the principles for how plants change their capacity to produce cellulose and therefore plant biomass.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2010

SANS Study of Cellulose Extracted from Switchgrass

AbstractLignocellulosic biomass, an abundant renewable natural resource, has the potential to play a major role in generation of renewable biofuels through its conversion to bio-ethanol. Unfortunately, it is a complex biological composite material that shows significant recalcitrance making it a cost-ineffective feedstock for bioethanol production. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) was employed to probe the multi-scale structure of cellulosic materials. Cellulose was extracted from milled native switchgrass and switchgrass that had undergone the dilute acid pretreatment method to disrupt the lignocellulose structure. The high-Q structural feature (Q > 0.07 Å-1) can be assigned to cellulose fibrils based on comparison with the switchgrass purified by solvent extraction of native and dilute acid pretreated and a commercial preparation of microcrystalline cellulose. Dilute acid pretreatment results in an increase in the smallest structural size, a decrease in the interconnectivity of the fibrils; and no change in the smooth domain boundaries at length scales larger than 1000 Å.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Optimal contracting structure between cellulosic biorefineries and farmers to reduce the impact of biomass supply variation: game theoretic analysis

There is considerable year–to–year variability in the supply of cellulosic biomass used in the production of cellulosic biofuels, yet strategies to mitigate these variations in biofuel development are not well understood. Biorefineries and farmers venturing into the cellulosic biofuel industry will require biomass supply and contracting strategies that can minimize the impact of these large variations. Some studies have proposed biomass pre–treatment and storage to address biomass supply variations. Other studies have used transportation modeling approaches to manage supply variations and select the optimal location of a cellulosic biorefinery. However, storage, pre–treatment, and similar engineering approaches lead to higher costs and have other limitations such as additional infrastructural requirements. There is a gap in understanding how contracting strategies between biorefineries and the biomass suppliers (farmers) can reduce the risks with biomass supply variations. In this study, the contracting structure between biorefineries and biomass suppliers is studied under different market structures for the US Corn Belt. A theoretical framework is then developed to use contracting strategies for mitigating the impact of biomass supply variations. First, the trade–offs between intricately linked components of biomass cost, such as biomass transport, biomass price (incentive) to suppliers, variation in biomass supply, biorefinery size, and alternative feedstock availability are examined. Next, an optimal contracting structure is developed between biorefineries and biomass suppliers using game theoretic analysis. Here, the results show that both the impact of biomass supply variations and the overall biomass cost can be significantly reduced through the use of the optimal contracting strategy between biorefineries and suppliers.

cellulosic biofuel↗
DOE OSTI2022

An insight into microscopy and analytical techniques for morphological, structural, chemical, and thermal characterization of cellulose

Cellulose obtained from plants is a bio-polysaccharide and the most abundant organic polymer on earth that has immense household and industrial applications. Hence, the characterization of cellulose is important for determining its appropriate applications. In this article, we review the characterization of cellulose morphology, surface topography using microscopic techniques including optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Additionally, other physicochemical characteristics like crystallinity, chemical composition, and thermal properties are studied using techniques including X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, Raman spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. This review may contribute to the development of using cellulose as a low-cost raw material with anticipated physicochemical properties.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

Isolation and Characterization of Cellulose Micro/Nanofibrils from Douglas Fir

Cellulose micro/nanofibrils were successfully extracted from softwood Douglas fir in three distinct stages. Initially raw Douglas fir wood chips were subjected to a hot water extraction (HWE) treatment. Then HWE treated cellulosic fibers underwent a bleaching process followed by a mild ultrasonication. Chemical composition analysis according to ASTM standards confirmed that most of hemicelluloses and nearly all lignin were removed during the first two stages, respectively. Microscopy studies showed formation of nanofibrils during the ultrasonication process, and increasing ultrasonication time led to generation of greater percentage of nanofibrils. With the removal of the matrix materials, the crystallinity of the cellulosic fibers was increased, whereas thermal stability was maintained. HWE opened up the cell wall structure, thereby facilitating the subsequent fractionation into micro/nanofibrils. The obtained cellulose micro/nanofibrils could serve as reinforcing material in composite products or raw material for other applications, such as filtration membrane.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2019

Surface-Modified Cellulose Nanofibers-graft-poly(lactic acid)s Made by Ring-Opening Polymerization of L-Lactide

Highly crystalline cellulose nanofibers with a high density of carboxylate groups only on the surfaces were prepared from both softwood and non-wood cellulose pulp. The preparation method used 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO)-mediated oxidation of native cellulose fibrils in an aqueous TEMPO/NaBr/NaClO system and subsequent postoxidation with NaClO{sub 2} in acetate buffer (pH 4.8). The TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TOCNs) possessed a carboxylate content of 1.7 mmol g{sup −1} and a crystallinity of 67–69% with a crystallite size of ∼3 nm. The TOCNs were used to produce highly crystalline TOCN-graft-poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanocomposites via ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide in a polar aprotic solvent. Effects of the reaction temperature and the molar ratio of L-lactide to carboxylate surface groups, on the efficiency of surface grafting were investigated to potentially improve the crystallinity and thermal properties of the nanocomposites. The crystallinity of TOCN-g-PLA products was 59–66% greater than the crystallinity of neat PLA.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Advances in multi-dimensional cellulose-based fluorescent carbon dot composites

Recently, fluorescent materials composed of carbon dots (CDs) have attracted increasing attention in diverse fields, including the environment, food, biology, and medicine. Cellulose has emerged as a promising class of materials for carriers due to its low cost, fascinating biodegradability, and various morphologies, especially in available different dimensions. By taking advantage of the respective superiority of fluorescent materials and cellulose carriers, the performance of fluorescence composite materials can be optimized and their application may be extended. Here, in this review, the study emphasizes the synthesis and applications of cellulose-based fluorescent materials with different dimensions. Moreover, some effective strategies and potential challenges for further development of cellulose-based fluorescent materials are discussed. A deeper understanding will provide a guide for the materials with ideal fluorescent performances.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2012

Cellulose-precursor synthesis of nanocrystalline Co{sub 0.5}Cu{sub 0.5}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} spinel ferrites

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Synthesis of spinel copper cobalt nanoferrite particles from a cellulose precursor for the first time. Control of nanosize and properties of nanoferrites can take place by varying the calcining temperature. The simple, low cost, easy cellulose process is a choice of nanoparticle processing technology. -- Abstract: Nanocrystalline Cu{sub 0.5}Co{sub 0.5}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} powders were prepared via a metal-cellulose precursor synthetic route. Cellulose was used as a fuel and a dispersing agent. The resulting precursors were calcined in the temperature range of 450-600 Degree-Sign C. The phase development of the samples was determined by using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). The field-dependent magnetizations of the nanopowders were measured by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). All XRD patterns are of a spinel ferrite with cubic symmetry. Microstructure of the ferrites showed irregular shapes and uniform particles with agglomeration. From XRD data, the crystallite sizes are in range of 16-42 nm. Saturation magnetization and coercivity increased with increasing calcining temperature due to enhancement of crystallinity and reduction of oxygen vacancies.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗