We report a novel form of cellulose formed by a treatment that is a variation on the mercerization process.  By using NaOH in a co-solvent system that includes water and an alcohol rather than pure water, it is possible to arrest the transition state between celluloses I and II.  It has a more open structure that appears to have properties that are significantly different from other celluloses. The key to its stability is that the removal of the NaOH must be under conditions that prevent mercerization. It is much more accessible to modifying reagents whether chemical or enzymatic.  Its porosity is illustrated by its accessibility to the large polyiodide anions responsible for the blue color obtained with starch.  Its accessibility to enzymes is such that the enzyme dosage necessary for hydrolysis is an order of magnitude lower than the dose required for the cellulose from which it is prepared.  Investigation of the structure of nanoporous state by x-ray diffraction, together with Raman and solid State <sup>13</sup>C NMR spectroscopy suggests that it is a partially disordered state wherein the cellulose chains remain parallel while the spacing between them is expanded.  However, it appears that the anhydroglucose units within individual chains are partially disordered.  The disorder appears to occur at the nanoscale only. The microscale and macroscale organization of pulp fibers treated by the preparative process seem unaltered.  The primary difference in macroscopic properties is that pulp fibers become quite elastic and can develop some curvature.

Nanoporous cellulose: A new form of cellulose with novel properties

249th National Meeting (2015)

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