ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

One-step preparation of lignocellulose nanofibers from Musa basjoo pseudo-stem

Satoru Fukugaichi, Erna Mayasari, Erni Johan, and Naoto Matsue

Paper Industry Innovation Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan

E-mail: fukugaichi.satoru.we@ehime-u.ac.jp

Received: 28 October 2022  Accepted: 8 February 2023

Abstract:

Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) are valuable biomass extracted by loosening plant cellulose microfibrils. However, a one-step chemical preparation of CNFs is challenging. Here, we demonstrate the preparation of lignocellulose nanofibers (LCNFs) through a simple one-step NaOH treatment using the pseudo-stem of Musa basjoo as a raw material. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analyses were conducted. The treatment removed hemicellulose and destroyed lignin, both of which were present between cellulose microfibrils. At the same time, it disrupted the hydrogen bonds between cellulose microfibrils to extract LCNFs, which were colored brown owing to residual degraded lignin. The extracted LCNFs had a high aspect ratio, with a minimum fiber diameter of 3.8 nm and a length of several micrometers. They contained 71% cellulose I and had a heat resistance temperature of 352 °C. The successful preparation was ascribed to the simple thin sheet-shaped arrangement of Musa basjoo pseudo-stem microfibrils, not as bundles as in wood. The obtained LCNFs can be used in various applications.

Keywords: Musa basjoo; Lignocellulose nanofibers; Preparation; Alkali treatment; One-step preparation; Banana relative

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-023-02724-4

Chemical Papers 77 (7) 3619–3627 (2023)