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Extraction and Characterization of Cellulose Nanofibers From Yellow Thatching Grass (Hyparrhenia filipendula) Straws via Acid Hydrolysis

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Abstract

Purpose

A variety of lignocellulosic raw materials have been previously reported for the production of cellulose and cellulose derivatives, but little research effort has been dedicated to producing cellulose from Hyparrhenia filipendula. In this study, cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were extracted from Hyparrhenia filipendula waste straws via sulphuric acid hydrolysis.

Methods

The straws were pretreated with a combination of physiochemical processes and hydrolyzed using sulphuric acid at three different concentrations (1 M, 3 M and 5.6 M) for 2 h at 80 °C. The properties of the CNFs was checked by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for surface chemistry, X-ray diffraction (XRD) for crystallinity, Scanning Electron microscopy and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for morphology. A high-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) was used to quantify the amount of biopolymers in the CNFs.

Results

The results show that CNFs, denoted as CNF 1, CNF 3, and CNF 5.6 for 1 M, 3 M, and 5.6 M sulphuric acid, respectively, were successfully extracted at the various concentrations of sulphuric acid. The cellulose content of CNF1, CNF3, and CNF5.6 determined by HPLC analysis were 85%, 77% and 78% respectively. Also, the hemicellulose content in CNF 1, CNF 3, and CNF 5.6 was 10%, 15%, and 12% respectively, showing a high carbohydrate content of the CNFs. The FTIR spectra confirm the absence of characteristic peaks for lignin in the CNFs. The XRD analysis reveals presence of characteristic cellulose Iβ peaks at 2θ of 18°, 26°, and 40° with the crystallinity of 78%, 74% and 73% for CNF1, CNF3 and CNF5.6, respectively. Moreover, SEM analysis shows the deposition of lignin polycondensate on the surface of CNF 1, CNF 3, and CNF 5.6 while the bleached sample has a smooth and glossy appearance. The TEM analysis shows long unbranched nano-sized fibers for CNF 1 and shorter fibrous network of fibers for CNF 3, and CNF 5.6. The average diameter of the fibers, measured with ImageJ software is 40 nm for CNF 1, 57 nm for CNF 3, and 92 nm for CNF 5.6.

Conclusion

CNFs were successfully produced from Hyparrhenia filipendula and reported for the first time in open literature. In view of the structure and properties of the produced CNFs, they are a potential material for value-added applications such as polymer matrices, films, and membranes, thus enabling efficient utilization of agricultural waste.

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Data Availability

The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the study are not publicly available due to Copyright regulations by Makerere University and University of Pretoria, but are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Abbreviations

CNF:

Cellulose nanofiber

FTIR:

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

HPLC:

High-performance liquid chromatograph

SEM:

Scanning electron microscopy

TEM:

Transmission electron microscopy

XRD:

X-ray powder diffraction

°C:

Degrees centigrade

h:

Hours

nm:

Nanometers

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Funding

This work was supported by the African Center of Excellence in Materials, Product Development and Nanotechnology (MAPRONANO ACE) funded by the World Bank and Government of Uganda [Project Identification P151847, IDA Number 5797-UG]. Ayaa Fildah also acknowledges support received from The Prof. Daramola Development Fund that enabled her to visit and supervise this study at the University of Pretoria. Ndwandwa Nolundi acknowledges the Chemical Industries Education & Training Authority (CHIETA) of South Africa for funding her internship at the University of Pretoria allowing her to complete this study under the supervision of Prof. Daramola and Ayaa Fildah.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, University of Pretoria, Hatfield Campus, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa

    N. Ndwandwa, S. A. Iwarere & M. O. Daramola

  2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda

    F. Ayaa & J. B. Kirabira

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  1. N. Ndwandwa
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  2. F. Ayaa
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  3. S. A. Iwarere
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  4. M. O. Daramola
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  5. J. B. Kirabira
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the successful completion of this study. AF, SAI, MOD, and JBK conceptualized the project and reviewed the first draft. MOD, Samuel AI and JBK were responsible for supervision, funding acquisition and project administration.

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Correspondence to M. O. Daramola.

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Ndwandwa, N., Ayaa, F., Iwarere, S.A. et al. Extraction and Characterization of Cellulose Nanofibers From Yellow Thatching Grass (Hyparrhenia filipendula) Straws via Acid Hydrolysis. Waste Biomass Valor 14, 2599–2608 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-022-02014-2

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