Isolation and Synthesis of Cellulose Nanofibers From Cassava Inner Peel Using Phosphoric Acid

Abstract

This study presents the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterial as a prerequisite for its efficient use in water purification as an alternative to costly activated carbon. Here, solvent-free phosphorylation of nanocellulose using environmentally benign and non-toxic chemicals was pursued resulting in a negatively charged material that was used to remove pollutants. The native material was locally abundant cassava inner peel biowastes which is rich in cellulose fibers. Native cellulose was isolated from the inner peel cassava waste and subsequently, hydrolyzed using phosphoric acid at 200 ^oC for 1 h on a sand bath at a cellulose/acid ratio of 1 g:25 mL. to afford nanocellulose fibre. The native cellulose was isolated, and the phosphorylated nanocellulose fibre was characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transforms infrared (FT-IR), thermo-gravimetric analyzer (TGA/DTG) and  Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), for its surface features, and functionalities, thermal stability, surface area, and particle size, respectively. SEM analysis revealed highly irregular and tiny individualized nanofiber strands, indicating the presence of nanocellulose fibre. The surface area of the cellulose and nanocellulose was 219.637 m²/g and 299.478 m²/g with pore volumes of 0.108 and 0.146 cm³/g.