title: Functionalization of cellulose nanocrystals for advanced applications.
abstract: Replacing the widespread use of petroleum-derived non-biodegradable materials with green and sustainable materials is a pressing challenge that is gaining increasing attention by the scientific community. One such system is cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) derived from acid hydrolysis of cellulosic materials, such as plants, tunicates and agriculture biomass. The utilization of colloidal CNCs can aid in the reduction of carbon dioxide that is responsible for global warming and climate change. CNCs are excellent candidates for the design and development of functional nanomaterials in many applications due to several attractive features, such as high surface area, hydroxyl groups for functionalization, colloidal stability, low toxicity, chirality and mechanical strength. Several large scale manufacturing facilities have been commissioned to produce CNCs of up to 1000kg/day, and this has generated increasing interests in both academic and industrial laboratories. In this feature article, we will describe the recent development of functionalized cellulose nanocrystals for several important applications in ours and other laboratories. We will highlight some challenges and offer perspectives on the potentials of these sustainable nanomaterials.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada.
authors.forename: Juntao
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada.
authors.forename: Jared
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sisler
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada.
authors.forename: Nathan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Grishkewich
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada. Electronic address: mkctam@uwaterloo.ca.
authors.forename: Kam Chiu
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Tam
mesh_terms: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000737:chemistry; D063566:Biodegradable Plastics / Q000737:chemistry*; D002482:Cellulose / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry*; D004655:Emulsions; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes / Q000737:chemistry; D055772:Green Chemistry Technology; D006868:Hydrolysis; D055595:Mechanical Phenomena; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry*; D010316:Particle Size; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D063566:Biodegradable Plastics; D004655:Emulsions; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D002482:Cellulose
keywords: Applications; Cellulose nanocrystal; Colloids; Functionalization