Over a number of years work in our laboratory has beenexploring the use of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) as scaffolds for the creationof novel nanomaterials with unique and stimuli responsive characteristics. Inthis communication a method for the grafting of amine-terminated monomers ontosurface-modified cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) followed by 'click chemistry' isdemonstrated.  Initially the primaryhydroxyl groups on the surface of the CNCs were selectively activated by convertingthem to carboxylic acids by the use of TEMPO-mediated hypohalite oxidation. Furtherreactions using the activated TEMPO-oxidized CNCs were carried out viacarbodiimide-mediated formation of an amide linkage between precursors carryingan amine functionality and the carboxylic acid groups on the surface of theTEMPO-oxidized CNCs. Subsequently, two sets of CNC's were prepared containingon their surface an azide derivative and an alkyne derivative respectively. Finallythe 'Click�-chemistry reaction, i.e., the Cu(I)-catalyzed Huisgen1,3-dipolar cycloaddition between the azide and the alkyne, surface activatedCNC was employed, bringing together the nanocrystalline materials in a uniqueregularly packed arrangement. The produced linked nanomaterials werecharacterized by FTIR, elemental and thermal  analyses, size exclusion chromatography  and Transmission Electron microscopy.

Regular linking of cellulose nanocrystals via click-chemistry: Synthesis and formation
of cellulose nano-platelet gels

239th National Meeting (2010)

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Regular linking of cellulose nanocrystals via click-chemistry: Synthesis and formation of cellulose nano-platelet gels