One-pot catalytic isolation of cellulose nanocrystals from agricultural biomass – Oat hull, wheat straw, and flax straw: Physicochemical characterization

• DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132271
• Publication Date: 2025-02-20T19:27:38Z
• Authors: Amin Babaei-Ghazvini; Ravi Patel; Bahareh Vafakish; Sean McAlpine; Bishnu Acharya
• Keywords: Characterization

The depletion of fossil fuel resources and their environmental impact have driven interest in renewable materials. Cellulosederived from lignocellulosic biomass, has emerged as a promising candidate for sustainable applications due to its abundance, biodegradability, versatile properties. This study explores isolating cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) oat hulls, wheat straw, flax straw using one-pot Cu2+-catalyzed method. Compared traditional acid hydrolysis methods, the approach reduces chemical consumption, eliminates need multistep neutralization, achieves CNC yields up 61.9 %, with high crystallinity improved thermal stability. CNCs were characterized evaluate surface chemistry structural morphology, properties, XPS confirming minimal Cu2+ residues dried samples. These results highlight potential agricultural byproducts sources high-value nanomaterials, advancing circular bioeconomy solutions.