1
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Li J, Lu C, Ye C, Xiong R. Structural, Optical, and Mechanical Insights into Cellulose Nanocrystal Chiral Nematic Film Engineering by Two Assembly Techniques. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:3507-3518. [PMID: 38758685 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Iridescent cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) films with chiral nematic nanostructures exhibit great potential in optical devices, sensors, painting, and anticounterfeiting applications. CNCs can assemble into a chiral nematic liquid crystal structure by evaporation-assisted self-assembly (EISA) and vacuum-assisted self-assembly (VASA) techniques. However, there is a lack of comprehensive examinations of their structure-property correlations, which are essential for fabricating materials with unique properties. In this work, we gained insights into the optical, mechanical, and structural differences of CNC films engineered using the two techniques. In contrast to the random self-assembly at the liquid-air interface in EISA, the continuous external pressure in the VASA process forces CNCs to assemble at the filter-liquid interface. This results in fewer defects in the interfaces between tactoids and highly ordered cholesteric phases. Owing to the distinct CNC assembly behaviors, the films prepared by these two methods show great differences in the nanostructure, microstructure, and macroscopic morphology. Consequently, the highly ordered cholesteric structure gives VASA-CNC films a more uniform structural color and enhanced mechanical performance. These fundamental understandings of the relationship of structure-property nanoengineering through various assembly techniques are essential for designing and constructing high-performance chiral iridescent CNC materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P. R. China
| | - Canhui Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P. R. China
| | - Chunhong Ye
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, P. R. China
| | - Rui Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P. R. China
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2
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Wang Z, Chu J, Shi L, Xing T, Gao X, Xu Y. Chiral Pearlescent Cellulose Nanocrystals Films with Broad-Range Tunable Optical Properties for Anti-Counterfeiting Applications. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2306810. [PMID: 38012531 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202306810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Pearlescent materials are of technological importance in a diverse array of industries from cosmetics to premium paints; however, chiral pearlescent materials remain unexplored. Here, chiral pearlescent films with on-demand iridescence and metallic appearance are simply organized by leveraging vertical pressure to direct the self-assembly of cellulose nanocrystals. The films are formed with a bilayer planar anchored left-handed chiral nematic architecture, in which the bottom layer is featured with a vertical gradient pitch, and the top layer is featured with a uniform pitch. Simultaneous reflection of the rainbow colors and an on-demand color of left-handed polarized light with angle-dependent wavelength and polarization state accounts for the unique optical phenomenon based on experimental observation and theoretical analysis. Such chiroptical property can be readily tuned with architectural design, enabling reproducible optical appearance with high fidelity. Bringing the pearlescence, iridescence, and specular reflection together endows cellulose nanocrystal films with rich and tunable chiroptical properties that can be used for anti-counterfeiting applications. The current work marks the beginning of chiral pearlescent materials from renewable resources, while the pressure-directed self-assembly provides a step toward scalable production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaolu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Inorganic Synthesis and Preparative Chemistry, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China
| | - Jiao Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Key Laboratory of Micro- and Nano-Photonic Structures (Ministry of Education) and Department of Physics, Fudan University, 2005 Songhu Road, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Lei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Key Laboratory of Micro- and Nano-Photonic Structures (Ministry of Education) and Department of Physics, Fudan University, 2005 Songhu Road, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Tingyang Xing
- Institute of Digitized Medicine and Intelligent Technology, Wenzhou Medical University, Chashan University Town, Wenzhou, 325000, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoqing Gao
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Jinlian Road, Longwan District, Wenzhou, 325000, P. R. China
| | - Yan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Inorganic Synthesis and Preparative Chemistry, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China
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3
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Wei X, Lin T, Lu L, Yu M, Yin X. Enhanced homogeneity and flexibility in a humidity sensor using cellulose nanocrystal-based composite film with circular shear flow. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 263:130293. [PMID: 38382791 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) film is known to be one kind of dynamic color-sensing material, capable of reversible color changes in response to varying humidity levels. However, the brittleness, low hygroscopicity and poor homogeneity of these films have hindered their development. To address this limitation, we present a novel approach where we combine natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) with sorbitol under the influence of circular shear flow to craft a CNC humidity-sensitive film with enhanced flexibility, hygroscopicity and homogeneity. The inclusion of sorbitol and NADES enhances hygroscopicity and improves the flexibility. Surprisingly, the introduction of circular shear flow was found not only to improve homogeneity, macroscopically and microscopically, but also to further enhance flexibility, toughness, and water absorption capability. The resulting composite films demonstrated highly reversible color changes across the whole visible spectrum depending on the relative humidity, showing their capability to be reliable humidity-sensing materials. Thanks to the improved homogeneity and flexibility, the obtained humidity-sensing composite film can be employed in its entirety without the need for cutting, making it a promising candidate for various applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyao Wei
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Key Laboratory of Paper Based Functional Materials of China National Light Industry, Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Papermaking Technology and Specialty Paper Development, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Light Chemistry Engineering Education, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, Shaanxi, PR China.
| | - Tao Lin
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Key Laboratory of Paper Based Functional Materials of China National Light Industry, Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Papermaking Technology and Specialty Paper Development, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Light Chemistry Engineering Education, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Lulu Lu
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Key Laboratory of Paper Based Functional Materials of China National Light Industry, Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Papermaking Technology and Specialty Paper Development, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Light Chemistry Engineering Education, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Meng Yu
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Key Laboratory of Paper Based Functional Materials of China National Light Industry, Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Papermaking Technology and Specialty Paper Development, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Light Chemistry Engineering Education, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Xuefeng Yin
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Key Laboratory of Paper Based Functional Materials of China National Light Industry, Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Papermaking Technology and Specialty Paper Development, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Light Chemistry Engineering Education, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, Shaanxi, PR China.
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4
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Svagan AJ, Vilaplana F, Pettersson T, Anusuyadevi PR, Henriksson G, Hedenqvist M. Centrifuge fractionation during purification of cellulose nanocrystals after acid hydrolysis and consequences on their chiral self-assembly. Carbohydr Polym 2024; 328:121723. [PMID: 38220326 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.121723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
The inherent colloidal dispersity (due to length, aspect ratio, surface charge heterogeneity) of CNCs, when produced using the typical traditional sulfuric acid hydrolysis route, presents a great challenge when interpreting colloidal properties and linking the CNC film nanostructure to the helicoidal self-assembly mechanism during drying. Indeed, further improvement of this CNC preparation route is required to yield films with better control over the CNC pitch and optical properties. Here we present a modified CNC-preparation protocol, by fractionating and harvesting CNCs with different average surface charges, rod lengths, aspect ratios, already during the centrifugation steps after hydrolysis. This enables faster CNC fractionation, because it is performed in a high ionic strength aqueous medium. By comparing dry films from the three CNC fractions, discrepancies in the CNC self-assembly and structural colors were clearly observed. Conclusively, we demonstrate a fast protocol to harvest different populations of CNCs, that enable tailored refinement of structural colors in CNC films.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna J Svagan
- Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Dept. of Fibre and Polymer Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Francisco Vilaplana
- Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Dept. of Chemistry, Div. Glycoscience, Albanova University Centre, Stockholm, Sweden; Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Wallenberg Wood Science Centre (WWSC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Torbjörn Pettersson
- Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Dept. of Fibre and Polymer Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Prasaanth Ravi Anusuyadevi
- Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Dept. of Fibre and Polymer Technology, Stockholm, Sweden; Materials Science and Engineering Department (MSE), Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (3mE), Delft University of Technology, 2628 CD Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Gunnar Henriksson
- Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Dept. of Fibre and Polymer Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mikael Hedenqvist
- Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Dept. of Fibre and Polymer Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
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5
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Lu S, Zhou Y, Hu X, Wang T, Xu B, Cui R, Ma T, Song Y. Tailoring the optical and mechanical properties of cellulose nanocrystal film by sugar alcohols and its pH/humidity-responsive behavior. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127316. [PMID: 37820913 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) have gained widespread attention in intelligent food packaging because of their iridescent optical properties. Here, we report a CNC composite film employing CNC, sugar alcohols (e.g., maltol, erythritol, mannitol, sorbitol, and xylitol) and natural pigment anthocyanins, which has a special iridescent color that can be used as a pH and humidity sensor. The effects of five sugar alcohols with different addition ratios on the structural, optical, and mechanical properties of the CNC films were investigated. The results demonstrated that the addition of sugar alcohol made composite films exhibiting a red-shift of λmax, a more uniform color in visual observation, and a larger pitch. Among them, the CNC-mannitol composite film with a ratio of 10:1 exhibited the best mechanical properties, possessing a tensile stress strength of 57 MPa and toughness of 137 J/m3. Subsequently, anthocyanins were incorporated to this composite film, which showed a marked color change along with the pH from 2 to 12 and exhibited a reversible color change from red to transparent upon a relative humidity change from 35 % to 85 %. Overall, such multi-environment-responsive iridescent films with excellent mechanical properties have a great potential for use in intelligent food packaging applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyu Lu
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; National Engineering Research Center for Fruits and Vegetable Processing, Beijing 100193, China; Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetable Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yuxing Zhou
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; National Engineering Research Center for Fruits and Vegetable Processing, Beijing 100193, China; Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetable Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xinna Hu
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; National Engineering Research Center for Fruits and Vegetable Processing, Beijing 100193, China; Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetable Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Tianhui Wang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; National Engineering Research Center for Fruits and Vegetable Processing, Beijing 100193, China; Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetable Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Bo Xu
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; National Engineering Research Center for Fruits and Vegetable Processing, Beijing 100193, China; Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetable Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Ranran Cui
- Guangxi Qingqing Biotech Co., Ltd, Guangxi, Fangchenggang 538000, China
| | - Tao Ma
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; National Engineering Research Center for Fruits and Vegetable Processing, Beijing 100193, China; Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetable Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Yi Song
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; National Engineering Research Center for Fruits and Vegetable Processing, Beijing 100193, China; Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetable Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100083, China.
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6
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Frka-Petesic B, Parton TG, Honorato-Rios C, Narkevicius A, Ballu K, Shen Q, Lu Z, Ogawa Y, Haataja JS, Droguet BE, Parker RM, Vignolini S. Structural Color from Cellulose Nanocrystals or Chitin Nanocrystals: Self-Assembly, Optics, and Applications. Chem Rev 2023; 123:12595-12756. [PMID: 38011110 PMCID: PMC10729353 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Widespread concerns over the impact of human activity on the environment have resulted in a desire to replace artificial functional materials with naturally derived alternatives. As such, polysaccharides are drawing increasing attention due to offering a renewable, biodegradable, and biocompatible feedstock for functional nanomaterials. In particular, nanocrystals of cellulose and chitin have emerged as versatile and sustainable building blocks for diverse applications, ranging from mechanical reinforcement to structural coloration. Much of this interest arises from the tendency of these colloidally stable nanoparticles to self-organize in water into a lyotropic cholesteric liquid crystal, which can be readily manipulated in terms of its periodicity, structure, and geometry. Importantly, this helicoidal ordering can be retained into the solid-state, offering an accessible route to complex nanostructured films, coatings, and particles. In this review, the process of forming iridescent, structurally colored films from suspensions of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) is summarized and the mechanisms underlying the chemical and physical phenomena at each stage in the process explored. Analogy is then drawn with chitin nanocrystals (ChNCs), allowing for key differences to be critically assessed and strategies toward structural coloration to be presented. Importantly, the progress toward translating this technology from academia to industry is summarized, with unresolved scientific and technical questions put forward as challenges to the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Frka-Petesic
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
- International
Institute for Sustainability with Knotted Chiral Meta Matter (WPI-SKCM), Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8526, Japan
| | - Thomas G. Parton
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Camila Honorato-Rios
- Department
of Sustainable and Bio-inspired Materials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Aurimas Narkevicius
- B
CUBE − Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Kevin Ballu
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Qingchen Shen
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Zihao Lu
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Yu Ogawa
- CERMAV-CNRS,
CS40700, 38041 Grenoble cedex 9, France
| | - Johannes S. Haataja
- Department
of Applied Physics, Aalto University School
of Science, P.O. Box
15100, Aalto, Espoo FI-00076, Finland
| | - Benjamin E. Droguet
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Richard M. Parker
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Silvia Vignolini
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
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7
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Wang Q, Niu W, Feng S, Liu J, Liu H, Zhu Q. Accelerating Cellulose Nanocrystal Assembly into Chiral Nanostructures. ACS NANO 2023. [PMID: 37464327 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c03797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) suspensions self-assembled into chiral nematic liquid crystals. This property has enabled the development of versatile optical materials with fascinating properties. Nevertheless, the scale-up production and commercial success of chiral nematic CNC superstructures face significant challenges. Fabrication of chiral nematic CNC nanostructures suffers from a ubiquitous pernicious trade-off between uniform chiral nematic structure and rapid self-assembly. Specifically, the chiral nematic assembly of CNCs is a time-consuming, spontaneous process that involves the organization of particles into ordered nanostructures as the solvent evaporates. This review is driven by the interest in accelerating chiral nematic CNC assembly and promoting a long-range oriented chiral nematic CNC superstructure. To start this review, the chirality origins of CNC and CNC aggregates are analyzed. This is followed by a summary of the recent advances in stimuli-accelerated chiral nematic CNC self-assembly procedures, including evaporation-induced self-assembly, continuous coating, vacuum-assisted self-assembly, and shear-induced CNC assembly under confinement. In particular, stimuli-induced unwinding, alignment, and relaxation of chiral nematic structures were highlighted, offering a significant link between the accelerated assembly approaches and uniform chiral nematic nanostructures. Ultimately, future opportunities and challenges for rapid chiral nematic CNC assembly are discussed for more innovative and exciting applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Wang
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Wen Niu
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Shixuan Feng
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Qianqian Zhu
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- Institute of Quantum and Sustainable Technology (IQST), School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
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8
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Parker RM, Parton TG, Chan CLC, Bay M, Frka-Petesic B, Vignolini S. Bioinspired Photonic Materials from Cellulose: Fabrication, Optical Analysis, and Applications. ACCOUNTS OF MATERIALS RESEARCH 2023; 4:522-535. [PMID: 37383657 PMCID: PMC10294254 DOI: 10.1021/accountsmr.3c00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Polysaccharides are a class of biopolymers that are widely exploited in living organisms for a diversity of applications, ranging from structural reinforcement to energy storage. Among the numerous types of polysaccharides found in the natural world, cellulose is the most abundant and widespread, as it is found in virtually all plants. Cellulose is typically organized into nanoscale crystalline fibrils within the cell wall to give structural integrity to plant tissue. However, in several species, such fibrils are organized into helicoidal nanostructures with a periodicity comparable to visible light (i.e., in the range 250-450 nm), resulting in structural coloration. As such, when taking bioinspiration as a design principle, it is clear that helicoidal cellulose architectures are a promising approach to developing sustainable photonic materials. Different forms of cellulose-derived materials have been shown to produce structural color by exploiting self-assembly processes. For example, crystalline nanoparticles of cellulose can be extracted from natural sources, such as cotton or wood, by strong acid hydrolysis. Such "cellulose nanocrystals" (CNCs) have been shown to form colloidal suspensions in water that can spontaneously self-organize into a cholesteric liquid crystal phase, mimicking the natural helicoidal architecture. Upon drying, this nanoscale ordering can be retained into the solid state, enabling the specific reflection of visible light. Using this approach, colors from across the entire visible spectrum can be produced, alongside striking visual effects such as iridescence or a metallic shine. Similarly, polymeric cellulose derivatives can also organize into a cholesteric liquid crystal. In particular, edible hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) is known to produce colorful mesophases at high concentrations in water (ca. 60-70 wt %). This solution state behavior allows for interesting visual effects such as mechanochromism (enabling its use in low-cost colorimetric pressure or strain sensors), while trapping the structure into the solid state enables the production of structurally colored films, particles and 3D printed objects. In this article, we summarize the state-of-the-art for CNC and HPC-based photonic materials, encompassing the underlying self-assembly processes, strategies to design their photonic response, and current approaches to translate this burgeoning green technology toward commercial application in a wide range of sectors, from packaging to cosmetics and food. This overview is supported by a summary of the analytical techniques required to characterize these photonic materials and approaches to model their optical response. Finally, we present several unresolved scientific questions and outstanding technical challenges that the wider community should seek to address to develop these sustainable photonic materials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chun Lam Clement Chan
- Yusuf Hamied Department of
Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Mélanie
M. Bay
- Yusuf Hamied Department of
Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Bruno Frka-Petesic
- Yusuf Hamied Department of
Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Silvia Vignolini
- Yusuf Hamied Department of
Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
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9
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Li X, Yang Y, Valenzuela C, Zhang X, Xue P, Liu Y, Liu C, Wang L. Mechanochromic and Conductive Chiral Nematic Nanostructured Film for Bioinspired Ionic Skins. ACS NANO 2023. [PMID: 37338401 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c04199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Chameleon skin is naturally adaptive and can sense environmental changes and transform sensing into bioelectrical and optical signals by manipulating ion transduction and photonic nanostructures. The increasing interest in mimicking biological skins has considerably promoted the development of advanced photonic materials with an increasing ionic conductivity. Herein, we report the judicious design and fabrication of a bioinspired mechanochromic chiral nematic nanostructured film with good ionic conductivity by infiltrating fluorine-rich ionic liquids (FILs) into a swollen self-assembled cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) film with helical nanoarchitectures. Notably, the introduction of 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate considerably enhances the compatibility of hydrophobic FILs and hydrophilic CNCs. The resulting FIL-CNC nanostructured films exhibited excellent mechanochromism, good ionic conductivity, and outstanding optical/electrical dual-signal sensing performance when used as a bioinspired ionic skin for real-time monitoring of human motions. Owing to the integration of FILs, the underwater stability of the chiral liquid crystal nanostructures of CNCs was significantly enhanced. Notably, underwater contact/contactless sensing modes and encrypted information transmission have been achieved with the FIL-CNC nanostructured film. This study can offer great insights for the advancement of biomimetic multifunctional artificial skins and emerging interactive devices, which can find important applications in wearable iontronics, human-machine interactions, and intelligent robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yanzhao Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Cristian Valenzuela
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Pan Xue
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Changjun Liu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Ling Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
- Binhai Industrial Research Institute, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300452, China
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10
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Liu B, Cheng L, Yuan Y, Hu J, Zhou L, Zong L, Duan Y, Zhang J. Liquid-crystalline assembly of spherical cellulose nanocrystals. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 242:124738. [PMID: 37169056 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Rod-shaped cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), also called cellulose nanorods (CNRs), possess anisotropic properties that allow for their self-organization into chiral nematic liquid crystals. Interestingly, spherical cellulose nanocrystals (cellulose nanospheres, CNSs) have also been shown to form a chiral liquid-crystalline phase in recent years. Herein, to understand how the similar assembly takes places as particle dimension changes, the organization features of CNSs were investigated. Results of this study demonstrate that above a critical concentration in suspension, CNSs organize into a liquid-crystal phase consisting of periodically parallel-aligned layer structures. This structure persists after suspension drying. In comparison with CNRs, the alignment of CNSs exhibits a shorter layer distance, lower order degree, and weaker long-range orientation. To explain the early stages of tactoid formation, a "caterpillar-like" model was proposed, which was captured by freezing the CNS suspension in an intermediate aggregation state. This structure serves as the fundamental unit for further liquid-crystal assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingrui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Rubber-Plastics, Ministry of Education, School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science & Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Li Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Rubber-Plastics, Ministry of Education, School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science & Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Rubber-Plastics, Ministry of Education, School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science & Technology, Qingdao 266042, China.
| | - Jian Hu
- Key Laboratory of Rubber-Plastics, Ministry of Education, School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science & Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Lijuan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Rubber-Plastics, Ministry of Education, School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science & Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Lu Zong
- Key Laboratory of Rubber-Plastics, Ministry of Education, School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science & Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Yongxin Duan
- Key Laboratory of Rubber-Plastics, Ministry of Education, School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science & Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Jianming Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Rubber-Plastics, Ministry of Education, School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science & Technology, Qingdao 266042, China.
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11
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An B, Xu M, Sun J, Sun W, Miao Y, Ma C, Luo S, Li J, Li W, Liu S. Cellulose nanocrystals-based bio-composite optical materials for reversible colorimetric responsive films and coatings. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 233:123600. [PMID: 36773875 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Photonic materials with a tunable chiral nematic structure that can selectively reflect light dynamically are valuable for applications in smart responsive materials. Here, we prepared potential photonic composites with a chiral nematic structure by forming cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and waterborne polyurethane (WPU) composites with different compositions on different substrates by evaporation-induced self-assembly. With increasing WPU content, the reflected wavelength increased from 400 to 680 nm, which was mainly caused by the increase of the chiral nematic pitch. In addition, the mechanical properties were better for higher WPU content. WPU was sensitive to small amounts of moisture in ethanol owing to the swollen WPU after absorbing water will increase the helical pitch. The reversible red shift induced by moisture was approximately 100 nm. When wood was used as the substrate, the CNCs still self-assembled to form chiral nematic structures and the adhesion forces of the composites to the wood substrate were strong. By using MgCl2 solution as an ink, invisible patterns can be written on the coating, which can be revealed temporarily by ethanol. In addition, the invisible pattern of photonic coating is rewritable. The easily prepared environmentally friendly photonic composite has great potential in sensors, anti-counterfeiting labels and smart decorative coatings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bang An
- Key Laboratory of Bio-based Material Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Mingcong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-based Material Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Jiaming Sun
- Key Laboratory of Bio-based Material Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Wenye Sun
- Key Laboratory of Bio-based Material Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Yuanyuan Miao
- Key Laboratory of Bio-based Material Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Chunhui Ma
- Key Laboratory of Bio-based Material Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Sha Luo
- Key Laboratory of Bio-based Material Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Jian Li
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Wooden Materials, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Wei Li
- Key Laboratory of Bio-based Material Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China.
| | - Shouxin Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Wooden Materials, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China.
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12
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Xing L, Li G, Sun Y, Wang X, Yuan Z, Fu Y, Qin M. Dual-emitting cellulose nanocrystal hybrid materials with circularly polarized luminescence for anti-counterfeiting labels. Carbohydr Polym 2023; 313:120856. [PMID: 37182956 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.120856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) hybrid materials with numerous optical states have great potential as anti-counterfeiting labels and information encryption materials. However, it is challenging to construct multicolor emitting materials with tunable behaviors, which can dramatically enhance anti-counterfeiting abilities. Here, free-standing composite films with vivid multi-structural colors and dual-emitting fluorescence are successfully fabricated through a host-guest coassembly strategy. The lanthanide complex and an aggregation-induced emission molecule (tetraphenylethylene derivative, TPEC) are selected as luminescent guests, which are integrated into the chiral nematic structure of CNCs. The obtained photonic films display broadband reflection across the visible spectrum, which may be attributed to the chiral nematic domains with variations in the helical pitches and helical axis orientations. Under 254 nm excitation, the film exhibits bright red emission, while blue-green emission switching occurs under 365 nm excitation. The broad reflection band of the film covers both the green and red fluorescent emission centers, and right circularly polarized luminescence emission with different dissymmetry factors is produced due to the selective reflection of the left chiral nematic structure. A large glum value up to -0.21 at 600 nm was realized. Additionally, CNC-based materials with tailored shapes are further used in anti-counterfeit tags and decorative applications.
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13
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Nilsson P, Engström Å, Kaschuk JJ, Vapaavuori J, Larsson A, Abitbol T. Design of experiments to investigate multi-additive cellulose nanocrystal films. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:988600. [PMID: 36406274 PMCID: PMC9673984 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.988600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) suspensions can self-assemble into chiral nematic films upon the slow evaporation of water. These films are brittle, as indicated by their fracturing instead of plastically deforming once they are fully elastically deformed. This aspect can be mediated to some extent by plasticizing additives, such as glucose and glycerol, however, few reports consider more than one additive at a time or address the influence of additive content on the homogeneity of the self-assembled structure. In this work, design of experiments (DoE) was used to empirically model complex film compositions, attempting to relate additive concentrations in dilute suspension to film properties, and to understand whether outcome specific predictions are possible using this approach. We demonstrate that DoE can be used to predict film properties in multi-additive systems, without consideration given to the different phenomena that occur along the drying process or to the nature of the additives. Additionally, a homogeneity metric is introduced in relation to chiral nematic organization in CNC films, with most of the additive-containing compositions in this work found to reduce the homogeneity of the self-assembly relative to pure CNC films.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Nilsson
- Bioeconomy, RISE Research Institutes Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Åsa Engström
- Bioeconomy, RISE Research Institutes Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joice Jaqueline Kaschuk
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Jaana Vapaavuori
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Arvid Larsson
- Centre for Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Tiffany Abitbol
- Bioeconomy, RISE Research Institutes Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden
- Institute of Materials, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
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14
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Gomri C, Cretin M, Semsarilar M. Recent progress on chemical modification of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) and its application in nanocomposite films and membranes-A comprehensive review. Carbohydr Polym 2022; 294:119790. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.119790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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15
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Abbasi Moud A. Advanced cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) aerogels: Bottom-up assembly perspective for production of adsorbents. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 222:1-29. [PMID: 36156339 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.09.148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The most common and abundant polymer in nature is the linear polysaccharide cellulose, but processing it requires a new approach since cellulose degrades before melting and does not dissolve in ordinary organic solvents. Cellulose aerogels are exceptionally porous (>90 %), have a high specific surface area, and have low bulk density (0.0085 mg/cm3), making them suitable for a variety of sophisticated applications including but not limited to adsorbents. The production of materials with different qualities from the nanocellulose based aerogels is possible thanks to the ease with which other chemicals may be included into the structure of nanocellulose based aerogels; despite processing challenges, cellulose can nevertheless be formed into useful, value-added products using a variety of traditional and cutting-edge techniques. To improve the adsorption of these aerogels, rheology, 3-D printing, surface modification, employment of metal organic frameworks, freezing temperature, and freeze casting techniques were all investigated and included. In addition to exploring venues for creation of aerogels, their integration with CNC liquid crystal formation were also explored and examined to pursue "smart adsorbent aerogels". The objective of this endeavour is to provide a concise and in-depth evaluation of recent findings about the conception and understanding of nanocellulose aerogel employing a variety of technologies and examination of intricacies involved in enhancing adsorption properties of these aerogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aref Abbasi Moud
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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16
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Wang ZL, Deng ZP, Dong X, Bai L, Wang XL, Wang YZ, Song F. A Surface Diffusion Barrier Strategy toward Water-Resistant Photonic Materials for Accurate Detection of Ethanol. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:30352-30361. [PMID: 35732072 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c04995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Photonic materials that enable visual detection of chemicals have shown great potential for wide applications in chemical, environmental, biotechnological, and food industries, but until now, using hydrophilic photonic materials for tracing water-soluble chemicals remains a major challenge due to the strong water interference. Here, we demonstrate a two-step co-assembly and subsequent surface coating strategy to develop an ethanol-sensitive and anti-water interference photonic crystal film. By using citric acid as a co-assembly phase, high ethanol sensing is realized because of the strong intermolecular affinity. By controlling the thickness of the outer polyvinyl butyral layer, selective ethanol penetration but a water barrier is enabled. Notably, the composite photonic films are free-standing, highly flexible, and controllably structurally colored. We further present using the composite film to quantitatively trace ethanol/water mixtures and potentially track drunk driving as a colorimetric sensor. The heuristic two-step modification strategy proposed in this work not only overcomes the limitation of water interference for hydrophilic colorimetric sensors but also provides references to develop more new photonic materials with water resistance that need to be applied in water/humid environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Li Wang
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Friendly and Fire-Safety Polymeric Materials (MoE), National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Ze-Peng Deng
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Friendly and Fire-Safety Polymeric Materials (MoE), National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Xiu Dong
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Friendly and Fire-Safety Polymeric Materials (MoE), National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Lan Bai
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Friendly and Fire-Safety Polymeric Materials (MoE), National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Xiu-Li Wang
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Friendly and Fire-Safety Polymeric Materials (MoE), National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Yu-Zhong Wang
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Friendly and Fire-Safety Polymeric Materials (MoE), National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Fei Song
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Friendly and Fire-Safety Polymeric Materials (MoE), National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
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17
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Nature-inspired construction of iridescent CNC/Nano-lignin films for UV resistance and ultra-fast humidity response. Carbohydr Polym 2022; 296:119920. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.119920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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18
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Das R, Lindström T, Sharma PR, Chi K, Hsiao BS. Nanocellulose for Sustainable Water Purification. Chem Rev 2022; 122:8936-9031. [PMID: 35330990 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nanocelluloses (NC) are nature-based sustainable biomaterials, which not only possess cellulosic properties but also have the important hallmarks of nanomaterials, such as large surface area, versatile reactive sites or functionalities, and scaffolding stability to host inorganic nanoparticles. This class of nanomaterials offers new opportunities for a broad spectrum of applications for clean water production that were once thought impractical. This Review covers substantial discussions based on evaluative judgments of the recent literature and technical advancements in the fields of coagulation/flocculation, adsorption, photocatalysis, and membrane filtration for water decontamination through proper understanding of fundamental knowledge of NC, such as purity, crystallinity, surface chemistry and charge, suspension rheology, morphology, mechanical properties, and film stability. To supplement these, discussions on low-cost and scalable NC extraction, new characterizations including solution small-angle X-ray scattering evaluation, and structure-property relationships of NC are also reviewed. Identifying knowledge gaps and drawing perspectives could generate guidance to overcome uncertainties associated with the adaptation of NC-enabled water purification technologies. Furthermore, the topics of simultaneous removal of multipollutants disposal and proper handling of post/spent NC are discussed. We believe NC-enabled remediation nanomaterials can be integrated into a broad range of water treatments, greatly improving the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of water purification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasel Das
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794-3400, United States
| | - Tom Lindström
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794-3400, United States.,KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm 100 44, Sweden
| | - Priyanka R Sharma
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794-3400, United States
| | - Kai Chi
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794-3400, United States
| | - Benjamin S Hsiao
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794-3400, United States
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19
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Kim M, Pierce K, Krecker M, Bukharina D, Adstedt K, Nepal D, Bunning T, Tsukruk VV. Monolithic Chiral Nematic Organization of Cellulose Nanocrystals under Capillary Confinement. ACS NANO 2021; 15:19418-19429. [PMID: 34874720 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c05988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We demonstrate bioenabled crack-free chiral nematic films prepared via a unidirectional flow of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) in the capillary confinement. To facilitate the uniform long-range nanocrystal organization during drying, we utilized tunicate-inspired hydrogen-bonding-rich 3,4,5-trihydroxyphenethylamine hydrochloride (TOPA) for physical cross-linking of nanocrystals with enhanced hydrogen bonding and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a relaxer of internal stresses in the vicinity of the capillary surface. The CNC/TOPA/PEG film is organized as a left-handed chiral structure parallel to flat walls, and the inner volume of the films displayed transitional herringbone organization across the interfacial region. The resulting thin films also exhibit high mechanical performance compared to brittle films with multiple cracks commonly observed for capillary-formed pure CNC films. The chiral nematic ordering of modified TOPA-PEG-CNC material propagates through the entire thickness of robust monolithic films and across centimeter-sized surface areas, facilitating consistent, vivid iridescence, and enhanced circular polarization. The best performance that prevents the cracks was achieved for a CNC/TOPA/PEG film with a minimal, 3% amount of TOPA. Overall, we suggest that intercalation of small highly adhesive molecules to cellulose nanocrystal-polymer matrices can facilitate uniform flow of liquid crystal phase and drying inside the capillary, resulting in improvement of the ultimate tensile strength and toughness (77% and 100% increase, respectively) with controlled uniform optical reflection and enhanced circular polarization unachievable during regular drying conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minkyu Kim
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Kellina Pierce
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Michelle Krecker
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Daria Bukharina
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Katarina Adstedt
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Dhriti Nepal
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio 45433, United States
| | - Timothy Bunning
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio 45433, United States
| | - Vladimir V Tsukruk
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
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20
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Zhao S, Yu Y, Zhang B, Feng P, Dang C, Li M, Zhao L, Gao L. Dual-Mode Circularly Polarized Light Emission and Metal-Enhanced Fluorescence Realized by the Luminophore-Chiral Cellulose Nanocrystal Interfaces. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:59132-59141. [PMID: 34852461 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c19404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Circularly polarized (CP) light has attracted wide attention for its great potential in broad applications. However, it remains a challenge to generate left-handed and right-handed circularly polarized (LCP and RCP) light from cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)-based materials only with an intrinsic left-handed chiral structure, owing to the pattern of CP light emission primarily based on the chirality of materials. Herein, a separation structure of luminophore layers and chiral CNCs was provided to achieve dual-mode CP light emission by building a luminophore-chiral CNC interface. By directly exciting the back and front of two-layer films, LCP and RCP light could be easily emitted without any assisting means and specific setting angles. In addition, owing to the formation of the luminophore-chiral CNC interface, metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF) was achieved to offset the brightness loss caused by circular polarization. By incorporating gold triangular nanoprisms in CNC chiral layers, the fluorescence enhancement of the ensemble was as high as 6.5-fold. The decisive role of the luminophore-chiral CNC interface in enhancing luminescence and dual-mode CP light emission was carefully investigated by contrasting the systems with and without luminophore-chiral CNC interfaces in this study. We believe that this dual-mode CP light emission film with MEF enables a promising approach to extending the application of CP light materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sixiang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Material Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Yingying Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Material Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Boyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Material Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Pu Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Material Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Congcong Dang
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Material Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Ming Li
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Material Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Liancheng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Material Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Liming Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Material Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
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21
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Xiao X, Chen J, Ling Z, Guo J, Huang J, Ma J, Jin Z. Chiral Nematic Cellulose Nanocrystal Films Cooperated with Amino Acids for Tunable Optical Properties. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13244389. [PMID: 34960940 PMCID: PMC8708874 DOI: 10.3390/polym13244389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The exploration of functional materials relies greatly on the understanding of material structures and nanotechnologies. In the present work, chiral nematic cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) films were prepared by incorporation with four types of amino acids (AAs, glycine, histidine, phenylalanine, and serine) via evaporation-induced self-assembly. The films present ideal iridescence and birefringence that can be tuned by the amount of AAs added. The intercalation of AAs enlarged the pitch values, contributing to the red-shift trend of the reflective wavelength. Among the AAs, serine presented the most compatible intercalation into cellulose crystals. Interestingly, histidine and phenylalanine composite films showed high shielding capabilities of UV light in diverse wavelength regions, exhibiting multi-optical functions. The sustainable preparation of chiral nematic CNC films may provide new strategies for materials production from biocompatible lignocellulose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Xiao
- Key Lab of Bamboo and Rattan Science & Technology, International Center for Bamboo and Rattan, Beijing 100102, China; (X.X.); (J.M.)
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China;
| | - Jie Chen
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (J.C.); (J.G.)
| | - Zhe Ling
- Key Lab of Bamboo and Rattan Science & Technology, International Center for Bamboo and Rattan, Beijing 100102, China; (X.X.); (J.M.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (J.C.); (J.G.)
- Correspondence: (Z.L.); (Z.J.)
| | - Jiaqi Guo
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (J.C.); (J.G.)
| | - Jianbin Huang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China;
| | - Jianfeng Ma
- Key Lab of Bamboo and Rattan Science & Technology, International Center for Bamboo and Rattan, Beijing 100102, China; (X.X.); (J.M.)
| | - Zhi Jin
- Research Institute of Wood Industry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
- Correspondence: (Z.L.); (Z.J.)
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22
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Tardy BL, Mattos BD, Otoni CG, Beaumont M, Majoinen J, Kämäräinen T, Rojas OJ. Deconstruction and Reassembly of Renewable Polymers and Biocolloids into Next Generation Structured Materials. Chem Rev 2021; 121:14088-14188. [PMID: 34415732 PMCID: PMC8630709 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c01333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This review considers the most recent developments in supramolecular and supraparticle structures obtained from natural, renewable biopolymers as well as their disassembly and reassembly into engineered materials. We introduce the main interactions that control bottom-up synthesis and top-down design at different length scales, highlighting the promise of natural biopolymers and associated building blocks. The latter have become main actors in the recent surge of the scientific and patent literature related to the subject. Such developments make prominent use of multicomponent and hierarchical polymeric assemblies and structures that contain polysaccharides (cellulose, chitin, and others), polyphenols (lignins, tannins), and proteins (soy, whey, silk, and other proteins). We offer a comprehensive discussion about the interactions that exist in their native architectures (including multicomponent and composite forms), the chemical modification of polysaccharides and their deconstruction into high axial aspect nanofibers and nanorods. We reflect on the availability and suitability of the latter types of building blocks to enable superstructures and colloidal associations. As far as processing, we describe the most relevant transitions, from the solution to the gel state and the routes that can be used to arrive to consolidated materials with prescribed properties. We highlight the implementation of supramolecular and superstructures in different technological fields that exploit the synergies exhibited by renewable polymers and biocolloids integrated in structured materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blaise L. Tardy
- Department
of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16300, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland
| | - Bruno D. Mattos
- Department
of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16300, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland
| | - Caio G. Otoni
- Department
of Physical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, P.O. Box 6154, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-970, Brazil
- Department
of Materials Engineering, Federal University
of São Carlos, Rod. Washington Luís, km 235, São
Carlos, São Paulo 13565-905, Brazil
| | - Marco Beaumont
- School
of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University
of Technology, 2 George
Street, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia
- Department
of Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry of Renewable Resources, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, A-3430 Tulln, Austria
| | - Johanna Majoinen
- Department
of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16300, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland
| | - Tero Kämäräinen
- Department
of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16300, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland
| | - Orlando J. Rojas
- Department
of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16300, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland
- Bioproducts
Institute, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Department
of Chemistry and Department of Wood Science, University of British Columbia, 2360 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
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23
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D'Acierno F, Ohashi R, Hamad WY, Michal CA, MacLachlan MJ. Thermal annealing of iridescent cellulose nanocrystal films. Carbohydr Polym 2021; 272:118468. [PMID: 34420727 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.118468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The properties of chiral nematic and iridescent cellulose nanocrystal films with different monovalent cations (CNC-X) obtained through evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA) can be modified by a variety of external stimuli. Here, we study the transformations of their optical and structural properties when the films are thermally annealed at 200 °C and 240 °C for up to 2 days. The chiral nematic structure of the most thermally stable films is not destroyed even after extensive heating due to the thermochemical stability of the cellulose backbone and the presence of surface alkali counterions, which suppress catalysis of early stage degradation. Despite the resilience of the cholesteric structure and the overall integrity of heated CNC-X films, thermal annealing is often accompanied by reduction of iridescence, birefringence, and transparency, as well as formation of degradation products. The versatility, sustainability, and stability of CNC-X films highlight their potential as temperature indicators and photonic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco D'Acierno
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada; Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of British Columbia, 6224 Agricultural Rd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada.
| | - Ryutaro Ohashi
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Wadood Y Hamad
- Transformation and Interfaces Group, Bioproducts Innovation Centre of Excellence, FPInnovations, 2665 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Carl A Michal
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada; Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of British Columbia, 6224 Agricultural Rd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada.
| | - Mark J MacLachlan
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada; Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute, University of British Columbia, 2355 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; WPI Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan; BioProducts Institute, University of British Columbia, 2385 Agronomy Road, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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24
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Juárez-Rivera OR, Mauricio-Sánchez RA, Järrendahl K, Arwin H, Mendoza-Galván A. Shear-Coated Linear Birefringent and Chiral Cellulose Nanocrystal Films Prepared from Non-Sonicated Suspensions with Different Storage Time. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 11:2239. [PMID: 34578554 PMCID: PMC8465068 DOI: 10.3390/nano11092239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Nanocelluloses are very attractive materials for creating structured films with unique optical properties using different preparation techniques. Evaporation-induced self-assembly of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) aqueous suspensions produces iridescent films with selective circular Bragg reflection. Blade coating of sonicated CNC suspensions leads to birefringent CNC films. In this work, fabrication of both birefringent and chiral films from non-sonicated CNC suspensions using a shear-coating method is studied. Polarization optical microscopy and steady-state viscosity profiles show that non-sonicated CNC suspensions (concentration of 6.5 wt%) evolve with storage time from a gel-like shear-thinning fluid to a mixture of isotropic and chiral nematic liquid crystalline phases. Shear-coated films prepared from non-sonicated fresh CNC suspensions are birefringent, whereas films prepared from suspensions stored several weeks show reflection of left-handed polarized light. Quantification of linear and circular birefringence as well circular dichroism in the films is achieved by using a Mueller matrix formalism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Rubi Juárez-Rivera
- Cinvestav-Unidad Querétaro, Libramiento Norponiente 2000, Querétaro 76230, Mexico; (O.R.J.-R.); (R.A.M.-S.)
| | | | - Kenneth Järrendahl
- Materials Optics, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden; (K.J.); (H.A.)
| | - Hans Arwin
- Materials Optics, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden; (K.J.); (H.A.)
| | - Arturo Mendoza-Galván
- Cinvestav-Unidad Querétaro, Libramiento Norponiente 2000, Querétaro 76230, Mexico; (O.R.J.-R.); (R.A.M.-S.)
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25
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Momeni A, Walters CM, Xu YT, Hamad WY, MacLachlan MJ. Concentric chiral nematic polymeric fibers from cellulose nanocrystals. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2021; 3:5111-5121. [PMID: 36132352 PMCID: PMC9416860 DOI: 10.1039/d1na00425e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Hierarchical biological materials, such as osteons and plant cell walls, are complex structures that are difficult to mimic. Here, we combine liquid crystal systems and polymerization techniques within confined systems to develop complex structures. A single-domain concentric chiral nematic polymeric fiber was obtained by confining cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and hydroxyethyl acrylate inside a capillary tube followed by UV-initiated polymerization. The concentric chiral nematic structure continues uniformly throughout the length of the fiber. The pitch of the chiral nematic structure could be controlled by changing the CNC concentration. We tracked the formation of the concentric structure over time and under different conditions with variation of the tube orientation, CNC concentration, CNC type, and capillary tube size. We show that the inner radius of the capillary tube is important and a single-domain structure was only obtained inside small-diameter tubes. At low CNC concentration, the concentric chiral nematic structure did not completely cover the cross-section of the fiber. The highly ordered structure was studied using imaging techniques and X-ray diffraction, and the mechanical properties and structure of the chiral nematic fiber were compared to a pseudo-nematic fiber. CNC polymeric fibers could become a platform for many applications from photonics to complex hierarchical materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arash Momeni
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia 2036 Main Mall Vancouver British Columbia V6T 1Z1 Canada
| | - Christopher M Walters
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia 2036 Main Mall Vancouver British Columbia V6T 1Z1 Canada
| | - Yi-Tao Xu
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia 2036 Main Mall Vancouver British Columbia V6T 1Z1 Canada
| | - Wadood Y Hamad
- Transformation and Interfaces Group, Bioproducts Innovation Centre of Excellence, FPInnovations 2665 East Mall Vancouver British Columbia V6T 1Z4 Canada
| | - Mark J MacLachlan
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia 2036 Main Mall Vancouver British Columbia V6T 1Z1 Canada
- Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute 2355 East Mall Vancouver British Columbia V6T 1Z4 Canada
- WPI Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University Kanazawa 920-1192 Japan
- UBC BioProducts Institute 2385 East Mall Vancouver British Columbia V6T 1Z4 Canada
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26
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Quantification of Optical Chirality in Cellulose Nanocrystal Films Prepared by Shear-Coating. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11136191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Evaporation-induced-self-assembly is widely used to produce chiral cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) free-standing films reflecting left-handed polarized light. Research on supported chiral CNC films is rather scarce. The reflection and/or transmission of unpolarized light are the most common optical techniques used to characterize the selective reflection of CNC films whereas the use of techniques to quantify chiral properties is limited. Here, the fabrication of chiral CNC films supported on glass substrates by a shear-coating method, as well as a full characterization of their polarization properties, are reported. Optical chirality is evidenced in films, showing a brilliant blue structural color when viewed through a left-handed polarizer and darkness through a right-handed polarizer. Mueller-matrix data in the reflection and transmission modes are used to quantitatively characterize the structural origin of color in the films. The quantification of the linear and circular birefringence, as well as circular dichroism, is performed by analytical inversion of the Mueller matrix data in the transmission mode and regression analysis using Tellegen constitutive equations. The equivalence of the two methods to quantify the structural chirality in CNC films is demonstrated. The swelling of films in water and kinetics during drying is studied by reflection spectroscopy.
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27
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De France K, Zeng Z, Wu T, Nyström G. Functional Materials from Nanocellulose: Utilizing Structure-Property Relationships in Bottom-Up Fabrication. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2000657. [PMID: 32267033 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202000657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
It is inherently challenging to recapitulate the precise hierarchical architectures found throughout nature (such as in wood, antler, bone, and silk) using synthetic bottom-up fabrication strategies. However, as a renewable and naturally sourced nanoscale building block, nanocellulose-both cellulose nanocrystals and cellulose nanofibrils-has gained significant research interest within this area. Altogether, the intrinsic shape anisotropy, surface charge/chemistry, and mechanical/rheological properties are some of the critical material properties leading to advanced structure-based functionality within nanocellulose-based bottom-up fabricated materials. Herein, the organization of nanocellulose into biomimetic-aligned, porous, and fibrous materials through a variety of fabrication techniques is presented. Moreover, sophisticated material structuring arising from both the alignment of nanocellulose and via specific process-induced methods is covered. In particular, design rules based on the underlying fundamental properties of nanocellulose are established and discussed as related to their influence on material assembly and resulting structure/function. Finally, key advancements and critical challenges within the field are highlighted, paving the way for the fabrication of truly advanced materials from nanocellulose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin De France
- Laboratory for Cellulose and Wood Materials, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), Überlandstrasse 129, Dübendorf, 8600, Switzerland
| | - Zhihui Zeng
- Laboratory for Cellulose and Wood Materials, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), Überlandstrasse 129, Dübendorf, 8600, Switzerland
| | - Tingting Wu
- Laboratory for Cellulose and Wood Materials, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), Überlandstrasse 129, Dübendorf, 8600, Switzerland
| | - Gustav Nyström
- Laboratory for Cellulose and Wood Materials, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), Überlandstrasse 129, Dübendorf, 8600, Switzerland
- Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zürich, Schmelzbergstrasse 9, Zürich, 8092, Switzerland
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28
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Casado U, Mucci VL, Aranguren MI. Cellulose nanocrystals suspensions: Liquid crystal anisotropy, rheology and films iridescence. Carbohydr Polym 2021; 261:117848. [PMID: 33766344 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.117848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The properties of aqueous suspensions of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and their casted films are revised. The bio-nanoparticles are briefly introduced, including modifications of the crystals and the suspending media. The formation of CNC-derived liquid crystals (LC) and their resulting rheological behavior are presented. The effects of different variables are addressed: CNC aspect ratio, surface chemistry, concentration, time required for the appearance of an anisotropic phase and addition of other components to the suspension media. The changes on the structure induced by alignment, and by conditions of the drying process are also reported. The optical properties of the films are considered, and the effect of the above variables on the final transparency, iridescence and overall optical response of these bio-inspired photonic materials. Control of the reviewed variables is needed to achieve reliable materials in applications such as sensors, smart inks and papers, transparent flexible supports for electronics, decorative coatings and films.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulises Casado
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales (INTEMA), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones en Ciencia y tecnología (CONICET), Facultad de Ingeniería, Av. Juan B Justo 4302, (7600), Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Verónica L Mucci
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales (INTEMA), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones en Ciencia y tecnología (CONICET), Facultad de Ingeniería, Av. Juan B Justo 4302, (7600), Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Mirta I Aranguren
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales (INTEMA), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones en Ciencia y tecnología (CONICET), Facultad de Ingeniería, Av. Juan B Justo 4302, (7600), Mar del Plata, Argentina.
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29
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Gu Z, Lu M, Feng K, Jin Z. The different composites of cellulose nanocrystals with d- or l-histidine. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:8174-8180. [PMID: 33881430 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr00946j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are inherently right-handed nanostructures that originate from nature, showing chirality in their fibrils, bundles, and self-assembled films. However, the enantio-specific interaction between CNCs and other chiral molecules has not been explored so far. In this study, we first demonstrated a chirality-related difference in the composite films of cellulose nanocrystals and histidine with a d- or l-configuration. The distinction is not only presented in the self-assembled nanostructures of CNCs, optical properties, and the thermal decomposition of composites but also in the crystallization of the amino acid. We suppose that it might have originated from the packing of amino acids on the twisted surface of CNCs. The knowledge about the enantio-specific interaction between the chiral amino acid and polysaccharide nanostructure is of significant importance for developing a new strategy for enantiomeric separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehao Gu
- Department of Chemistry, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, People's Republic of China.
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30
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Pignon F, Challamel M, De Geyer A, Elchamaa M, Semeraro EF, Hengl N, Jean B, Putaux JL, Gicquel E, Bras J, Prevost S, Sztucki M, Narayanan T, Djeridi H. Breakdown and buildup mechanisms of cellulose nanocrystal suspensions under shear and upon relaxation probed by SAXS and SALS. Carbohydr Polym 2021; 260:117751. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.117751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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31
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Jin SA, Facchine EG, Khan SA, Rojas OJ, Spontak RJ. Mesophase characteristics of cellulose nanocrystal films prepared from electrolyte suspensions. J Colloid Interface Sci 2021; 599:207-218. [PMID: 33940439 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2021.04.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) exhibit a cholesteric mesophase above a critical concentration in aqueous suspensions. Above this concentration, CNCs self-organize into left-handed helicoidal structures that can be preserved in dried, stratified films. In this systematic study, we have prepared optically-active CNC films cast from different electrolyte suspensions and investigated, via circular dichroism and other techniques, the effects of counterion type (six mono/divalent salts, including those responsible for promoting "salting-out" and "salting-in" in the Hofmeister series) and ionic strength on mesomorphic behavior and cholesteric arrangement. The presence of electrolytes influences CNC colloidal stability by compressing the electric double layer and altering interactions among neighboring CNCs and water, thereby affecting the extent to which the CNCs form a mesophase. Interestingly, mesomorphic behavior and CNC alignment appear to be sensitive to cationic radius and charge valence, in which case the optical properties of CNC films can be adjusted for targeted sustainable applications. Such heuristic rules can be valuable for predicting the stability and characteristics of CNC microstructure in designer coatings and thin films prepared by introducing suitable cations prior to film formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Ah Jin
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Emily G Facchine
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Saad A Khan
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
| | - Orlando J Rojas
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, Espoo 02150, Finland; Departments of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Chemistry and Wood Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Richard J Spontak
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; Department of Materials Science & Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
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32
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Correia DM, Lizundia E, Fernandes LC, Costa CM, Lanceros-Méndez S. Influence of cellulose nanocrystal surface functionalization on the bending response of cellulose nanocrystal/ionic liquid soft actuators. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 23:6710-6716. [PMID: 33710228 DOI: 10.1039/d1cp00289a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This work reports the development of renewable cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) and ionic liquid (IL) hybrid materials for bending actuator applications. For this purpose, cellulose nanocrystals with different surface charges (neutral, positive and negative) were prepared and increasing amounts of the IL 2-hydroxy-ethyl-trimethylammonium dihydrogen phosphate ([Ch][DHP]) (10 and 25 wt%) were incorporated into the CNC hosting matrix. The morphology of the samples was evaluated, proving that both surface charge and IL incorporation do not affect the characteristic layered structure of the CNC. Atomic force microscopy results reveal a sea-island morphology in the hybrid films, where CNC bundles are surrounded by [Ch][DHP]-rich regions. An increase in the electrical conductivity is observed upon IL incorporation into the CNC matrix, regardless of the CNC surface charge. The highest electrical conductivity values are observed for IL/CNC (+) 25 wt% with an electrical conductivity of 3.18 × 10-5± 2.75 × 10-7 S cm-1 and IL/CNC (-) 10 wt% (1.26 × 10-5± 5.92 × 10-6 S cm-1). The highest bending displacement of 2.1 mm for an applied voltage of 4.0 Vpp at a frequency of 100 mHz was obtained for the IL/CNC (+) 25 wt% composite, demonstrating the suitability of cellulose to develop soft actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela M Correia
- Centre of Chemistry, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
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33
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Zhu B, Johansen VE, Kamita G, Guidetti G, Bay M, Parton TG, Frka-Petesic B, Vignolini S. Hyperspectral Imaging of Photonic Cellulose Nanocrystal Films: Structure of Local Defects and Implications for Self-Assembly Pathways. ACS NANO 2020; 14:15361-15373. [PMID: 33090776 PMCID: PMC7690050 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c05785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) can spontaneously assemble into chiral nematic films capable of reflecting circularly polarized light in the visible range. As many other photonic materials obtained by bottom-up approaches, CNC films often display defects that greatly impact their visual appearance. Here, we study the optical response of defects in photonic CNC films, coupling optical microscopy with hyperspectral imaging, and we compare it to optical simulations of discontinuous cholesteric structures of increasing complexity. Cross-sectional SEM observations of the film structure guided the choice of simulation parameters and showed excellent agreement with experimental optical patterns. More importantly, it strongly suggests that the last fraction of CNCs to self-assemble, upon solvent evaporation, does not undergo the typical nucleation and growth pathway, but a spinodal decomposition, an alternative self-assembly pathway so far overlooked in cast films and that can have far-reaching consequences on choices of CNC sources and assembly conditions.
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34
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Zhang X, Xiong R, Kang S, Yang Y, Tsukruk VV. Alternating Stacking of Nanocrystals and Nanofibers into Ultrastrong Chiral Biocomposite Laminates. ACS NANO 2020; 14:14675-14685. [PMID: 32910639 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c06192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Attaining high mechanical strength and flexibility for chiral nematic biopolymer composites without compromising their vivid optical iridescence is an intriguing but challenging task. Traditional cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) blend nanocomposite films typically lose their coloration and display weak mechanical performance due to poor load transfer between needle-like nanocrystals and the collapse of a twisted organization. Herein, we report a design of robust laminated biocomposites with an alternatively stacked chiral nematic CNC phase and a random cellulose nanofiber (CNF) phase via a hydrogen-bonding-assisted layer-by-layer method. In contrast to the traditional biopolymer blends, the alternating CNC-CNF stacked films possess many-fold enhancement in both mechanical strength and toughness with their vivid structural colors highly preserved. We suggest that the enriched hydrogen bonding and partial limited entanglements at the interfaces between the helicoidal and random phases are responsible for enhancing the mechanical performance of robust biocomposites with brilliant iridescent colors. Such organized cellulose-cellulose biocomposites with alternating helicoidal-random phases fabricated by a facile sequential strategy may facilitate the development of sustainably sourced, damage-tolerant, and photonic films for bioenabled display technologies, security indicators, soft robotics, camouflages, and pressure sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0245, United States
- Key Laboratory of Catalysis and Energy Materials Chemistry of Ministry of Education & Hubei Key Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials Science, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Rui Xiong
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0245, United States
| | - Saewon Kang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0245, United States
| | - Yingkui Yang
- Key Laboratory of Catalysis and Energy Materials Chemistry of Ministry of Education & Hubei Key Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials Science, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Vladimir V Tsukruk
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0245, United States
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35
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Origin of vacuum-assisted chiral self-assembly of cellulose nanocrystals. Carbohydr Polym 2020; 245:116459. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.116459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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36
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Thomas P, Duolikun T, Rumjit NP, Moosavi S, Lai CW, Bin Johan MR, Fen LB. Comprehensive review on nanocellulose: Recent developments, challenges and future prospects. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2020; 110:103884. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2020.103884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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37
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Development and characterisation of multi-form composite materials based on silver nanoclusters and cellulose nanocrystals. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2020.125257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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38
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Tran A, Boott CE, MacLachlan MJ. Understanding the Self-Assembly of Cellulose Nanocrystals-Toward Chiral Photonic Materials. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e1905876. [PMID: 32009259 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201905876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Over millions of years, animals and plants have evolved complex molecules and structures that endow them with vibrant colors. Among the sources of natural coloration, structural color is prominent in insects, bird feathers, snake skin, plants, and other organisms, where the color arises from the interaction of light with nanoscale features rather than absorption from a pigment. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are a biorenewable resource that spontaneously organize into chiral nematic liquid crystals having a hierarchical structure that resembles the Bouligand structure of arthropod shells. The periodic, chiral nematic organization of CNC films leads them to diffract light, making them appear iridescent. Over the past two decades, there have been many advances to develop the photonic properties of CNCs for applications ranging from cosmetics to sensors. Here, the origin of color in CNCs, the control of photonic properties of CNC films, the development of new composite materials of CNCs that can yield flexible photonic structures, and the future challenges in this field are discussed. In particular, recent efforts to make flexible photonic materials using CNCs are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Tran
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Mail Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Charlotte E Boott
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Mail Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Mark J MacLachlan
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Mail Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada
- Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute, 2355 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
- WPI Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
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39
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Facchine EG, Jin SA, Spontak RJ, Khan SA, Rojas OJ. Quantitative Calorimetric Studies of the Chiral Nematic Mesophase in Aqueous Cellulose Nanocrystal Suspensions. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2020; 36:10830-10837. [PMID: 32808787 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c01871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Aqueous suspensions of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) can spontaneously form a chiral nematic mesophase at a critical concentration (c*). Unfortunately, no current analytical technique permits rapid detection of c*. Herein, we introduce a facile and accurate approach to assess c* rapidly (<2 h) from a small sample volume and compare our results with those obtained by conventional methods. Our strategy employs isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) to measure the heat associated with interactions in the suspension, which can identify the onset of mesophase formation as the heat signature is sensitive to the suspension viscosity and thus capable of detecting small changes in the suspension environment. We measure c* for CNC samples differing in surface charge and aspect ratio, and find that both lower aspect ratios and higher surface charges increase c*. Our ITC results reveal the role of CNC interactions prior to the visual observation of mesophase formation and elucidate mesomorphic effects related to nanocrystals and their suspensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily G Facchine
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Soo-Ah Jin
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Richard J Spontak
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Saad A Khan
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Orlando J Rojas
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
- Department of Byproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, Aalto, Espoo FI-00076, Finland
- Bioproducts Institute, Departments of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Chemistry and Wood Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
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40
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Walters CM, Adair KR, Hamad WY, MacLachlan MJ. Synthesis of Chiral Nematic Mesoporous Metal and Metal Oxide Nanocomposites and their Use as Heterogeneous Catalysts. Eur J Inorg Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ejic.202000673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M. Walters
- Department of Chemistry University of British 2036 Main Mall BC V6T 1Z1 Vancouver Columbia Canada
| | - Keegan R. Adair
- Department of Chemistry University of British 2036 Main Mall BC V6T 1Z1 Vancouver Columbia Canada
| | - Wadood Y. Hamad
- Transformation and Interfaces Group Bioproducts Innovation Centre of Excellence FPInnovations 2665 East Mall BC V6T 1Z4 Vancouver Canada
| | - Mark J. MacLachlan
- Department of Chemistry University of British 2036 Main Mall BC V6T 1Z1 Vancouver Columbia Canada
- Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute University of British Columbia 2355 East Mall BC V6T 1Z4 Vancouver Canada
- WPI Nano Life Science Institute Kanazawa University 9201192 Kanazawa Japan
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41
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Fabrication of environmental humidity-responsive iridescent films with cellulose nanocrystal/polyols. Carbohydr Polym 2020; 240:116281. [PMID: 32475565 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.116281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we fabricated flexible and humidity-sensitive composite films employing cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) and polyols, i.e., glycerol (G), xylitol (X) and sorbitol (S). The effects of polyols with different molecular weights on the structure, optical properties, mechanical strength and humidity response of the composite films were investigated. Notably, the CNC-S film exhibited obvious reversible colour changes from light green to red upon a relative humidity (RH) change from 30 % to 95 %. Moreover, it was found that the composite films had a large colour-change range, good reversibility (>10 cycles), and excellent stability (>10 weeks). Overall, the results demonstrated that the CNC-S composite film can be used as a functional material for the preparation of flexible humidity sensors for the detection of environmental humidity changes in agriculture, industry, and other fields.
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42
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From Equilibrium Liquid Crystal Formation and Kinetic Arrest to Photonic Bandgap Films Using Suspensions of Cellulose Nanocrystals. CRYSTALS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/cryst10030199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The lyotropic cholesteric liquid crystal phase developed by suspensions of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) has come increasingly into focus from numerous directions over the last few years. In part, this is because CNC suspensions are sustainably produced aqueous suspensions of a fully bio-derived nanomaterial with attractive properties. Equally important is the interesting and useful behavior exhibited by solid CNC films, created by drying a cholesteric-forming suspension. However, the pathway along which these films are realized, starting from a CNC suspension that may have low enough concentration to be fully isotropic, is more complex than often appreciated, leading to reproducibility problems and confusion. Addressing a broad audience of physicists, chemists, materials scientists and engineers, this Review focuses primarily on the physics and physical chemistry of CNC suspensions and the process of drying them. The ambition is to explain rather than to repeat, hence we spend more time than usual on the meanings and relevance of the key colloid and liquid crystal science concepts that must be mastered in order to understand the behavior of CNC suspensions, and we present some interesting analyses, arguments and data for the first time. We go through the development of cholesteric nuclei (tactoids) from the isotropic phase and their potential impact on the final dry films; the spontaneous CNC fractionation that takes place in the phase coexistence window; the kinetic arrest that sets in when the CNC mass fraction reaches ∼10 wt.%, preserving the cholesteric helical order until the film has dried; the ’coffee-ring effect’ active prior to kinetic arrest, often ruining the uniformity in the produced films; and the compression of the helix during the final water evaporation, giving rise to visible structural color in the films.
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43
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Walters CM, Boott CE, Nguyen TD, Hamad WY, MacLachlan MJ. Iridescent Cellulose Nanocrystal Films Modified with Hydroxypropyl Cellulose. Biomacromolecules 2020; 21:1295-1302. [PMID: 32053370 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c00056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The introduction of polymers into a chiral nematic cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) matrix allows for the tuning of optical and mechanical properties, enabling the development of responsive photonic materials. In this study, we explored the incorporation of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) into a CNC film prepared by slow evaporation. In the composite CNC/HPC thin films, the CNCs adopt a chiral nematic structure, which can selectively reflect certain wavelengths of light to yield a colored film. The color could be tuned across the visible spectrum by changing the concentration or molecular weight of the HPC. Importantly, the composite films were more flexible than pure CNC films with up to a ten-fold increase in elasticity and a decrease in stiffness and tensile strength of up to six times and four times, respectively. Surface modification of the films with methacrylate groups increased the hydrophobicity of the films, and therefore, the water stability of these materials was also improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Walters
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Charlotte E Boott
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Thanh-Dinh Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Wadood Y Hamad
- Transformation and Interfaces Group, Bioproducts Innovation Centre of Excellence, FPInnovations, 2665 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Mark J MacLachlan
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada.,Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute, University of British Columbia, 2355 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada.,WPI Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
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Zhang Y, Tian Z, Fu Y, Wang Z, Qin M, Yuan Z. Responsive and patterned cellulose nanocrystal films modified by N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide. Carbohydr Polym 2020; 228:115387. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2019.115387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Sui Y, Li X, Chang W, Wan H, Li W, Yang F, Yu ZZ. Multi-responsive nanocomposite membranes of cellulose nanocrystals and poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) with tunable chiral nematic structures. Carbohydr Polym 2019; 232:115778. [PMID: 31952587 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2019.115778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
By imitating the unique structure of nature creatures, photonic membranes with periodic chiral helical structure can be assembled by cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). It is still an issue to fabricate CNC photonic structures tunable in the entire visible spectrum with multiple stimuli-response capacities. Herein, a multi-responsive nanocomposite photonic membrane is fabricated by co-assembly of poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAM) grafted CNCs with waterborne polyurethane (WPU) latex on the basis of the chiral nematic structure of CNCs, the thermo-responsibility of PNIPAM, and the flexibility of WPU. The flexible photonic membranes with uniform structural colors from blue to red are obtained by tuning the PNIPAM content. The membrane exhibits reversible responses to solvents, and iridescence changes in response to relative humidity with excellent repeatability. Interestingly, the membrane can be transparent or opaque depending on the ambient temperature. The photonic membranes are appealing in applications as humidity sensor, camouflage materials, and even smart windows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqiu Sui
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China.
| | - Wei Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Hao Wan
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst 01003, United States
| | - Wei Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Zhong-Zhen Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China.
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46
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Boott CE, Tran A, Hamad WY, MacLachlan MJ. Cellulose Nanocrystal Elastomers with Reversible Visible Color. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019; 59:226-231. [PMID: 31663249 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201911468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Revised: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Responsive photonic crystals have potential applications in mechanical sensors and soft displays; however, new materials are constantly desired to provide new innovations and improve on existing technologies. To address this, we report stretchable chiral nematic cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) elastomer composites that exhibit reversible visible color upon the application of mechanical stress. When stretched (or compressed) the colorless materials maintain their chiral nematic structure but the helical pitch is reduced into the visible region, resulting in coloration of the CNC-elastomer composite. By increasing the percentage elongation of the material (ca. 50-300 %), the structural color can be tuned from red to blue. The color of the materials was characterized by reflectance optical microscopy and reflectance circular dichroism to confirm the wavelength and polarization of the reflected light. We also probed the mechanism of the structural color using 2D-X-ray diffraction. Finally, by either water-patterning the starting CNC film, or by forming a CNC film with gradient color, through masked evaporation, we were able to prepare encoded stretchable chiral nematic CNC-elastomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte E Boott
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Mail Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Andy Tran
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Mail Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Wadood Y Hamad
- FPInnovations, 2665 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Mark J MacLachlan
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Mail Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada.,Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute, 2355 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.,WPI Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
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47
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Boott CE, Tran A, Hamad WY, MacLachlan MJ. Cellulose Nanocrystal Elastomers with Reversible Visible Color. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201911468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte E. Boott
- Department of Chemistry University of British Columbia 2036 Mail Mall Vancouver BC V6T 1Z1 Canada
| | - Andy Tran
- Department of Chemistry University of British Columbia 2036 Mail Mall Vancouver BC V6T 1Z1 Canada
| | | | - Mark J. MacLachlan
- Department of Chemistry University of British Columbia 2036 Mail Mall Vancouver BC V6T 1Z1 Canada
- Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute 2355 East Mall Vancouver BC V6T 1Z4 Canada
- WPI Nano Life Science Institute Kanazawa University Kanazawa 920-1192 Japan
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Carbon Nanotube and Cellulose Nanocrystal Hybrid Films. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24142662. [PMID: 31340473 PMCID: PMC6681000 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24142662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) in high performance coatings is attractive for micro-scale structures or device fabrication due to the anisotropic geometry, however CNC are insulating materials. Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are also rod-shaped nanomaterials that display high mechanical strength and electrical conductivity. The hydrophobic regions of surface-modified CNC can interact with hydrophobic CNT and aid in association between the two anisotropic nanomaterials. The long-range electrostatic repulsion of CNC plays a role in forming a stable CNT and CNC mixture dispersion in water, which is integral to forming a uniform hybrid film. At concentrations favorable for film formation, the multiwalled nanotubes + CNC mixture dispersion shows cellular network formation, indicating local phase separation, while the single-walled nanotube + CNC mixture dispersion shows schlieren texture, indicating liquid crystal mixture formation. Conductive CNT + CNC hybrid films (5–20 μm thick) were cast on glass microscope slides with and without shear by blade coating. The CNT + CNC hybrid films electrical conductivity increased with increasing CNT loadings and some anisotropy was observed with the sheared hybrid films, although to a lesser extent than what was anticipated. Percolation models were applied to model the hybrid film conductivity and correlate with the hybrid film microstructure.
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49
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Zhang R, Chu G, Vasilyev G, Martin P, Camposeo A, Persano L, Pisignano D, Zussman E. Hybrid Nanocomposites for 3D Optics: Using Interpolymer Complexes with Cellulose Nanocrystals. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:19324-19330. [PMID: 31058491 PMCID: PMC6543505 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b01699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Manipulation of optical paths by three-dimensional (3D) integrated optics with customized stacked building blocks has gained considerable attention. Herein, we present functional thin films with assembly ability for 3D integrated optics based on nanocomposites made of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) embedded in hydrogen-bonded (H-bonded) interpolymer complexes (IPCs). We selected H-bonded IPC poly(ethylene oxide) and neutralized poly(acrylic acid) to render films assembly ability without undesired interplay with charge distribution in CNCs. The CNCs can form a stable chiral nematic liquid crystalline phase with long-range orientational order and helical organization. The resulting nanocomposites are characterized with a high elastic modulus of 8.8 GPa and an adhesion strength of 1.35 MPa through reversible intermolecular interactions at the contact interface upon exposure to acidic vapor. Instead, simply stacked into 3D optics, these functional thin films serve as a facile material for providing a conceptually simple approach to assemble 3D integrated optics with different liquid crystalline orderings to manipulate the light polarization state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiyan Zhang
- NanoEngineering
Group, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Guang Chu
- NanoEngineering
Group, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Gleb Vasilyev
- NanoEngineering
Group, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Patrick Martin
- NanoEngineering
Group, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Andrea Camposeo
- NEST,
Instituto Nanoscienze-CNR and Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza S. Silvestro 12, I-56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Luana Persano
- NEST,
Instituto Nanoscienze-CNR and Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza S. Silvestro 12, I-56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Dario Pisignano
- Dipartimento
di Fisica “Enrico Fermi”, Università di Pisa, Largo Bruno Pontecorvo 3, I-56127 Pisa, Italy
- NEST,
Istituto Nanoscience-CNR, Piazza S. Silvestro 12, I-56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Eyal Zussman
- NanoEngineering
Group, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
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50
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Frka-Petesic B, Kamita G, Guidetti G, Vignolini S. The angular optical response of cellulose nanocrystal films explained by the distortion of the arrested suspension upon drying. PHYSICAL REVIEW MATERIALS 2019; 3:045601. [PMID: 33225202 PMCID: PMC7116400 DOI: 10.1103/physrevmaterials.3.045601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are bio-sourced chiral nanorods that can form stable colloidal suspensions able to spontaneously assemble above a critical concentration into a cholesteric liquid crystal, with a cholesteric pitch usually in the micron range. When these suspensions are dried on a substrate, solid films with a pitch of the order of few hundreds of nanometers can be produced, leading to intense reflection in the visible range. However, the resulting cholesteric nanostructure is usually not homogeneous within a sample and comports important variations of the cholesteric domain orientation and pitch, which affect the photonic properties. In this work, we first propose a model accounting for the formation of the photonic structure from the vertical compression of the cholesteric suspension upon solvent evaporation, starting at the onset of the kinetic arrest of the drying suspension and ending when solvent evaporation is complete. From that assumption, various structural features of the films can be derived, such as the variation of the cholesteric pitch with the domain tilt, the orientation distribution density of the final cholesteric domains and the distortion of the helix from the unperturbed cholesteric case. The angular-resolved optical response of such films is then derived, including the iridescence and the generation of higher order reflection bands, and a simulation of the angular optical response is provided, including its tailoring under external magnetic fields. Second, we conducted an experimental investigation of CNC films covering a structural and optical analysis of the films. The macroscopic appearance of the films is discussed and complemented with angular-resolved optical spectroscopy, optical and electron microscopy, and our quantitative analysis shows an excellent agreement with the proposed model. This allows us to access the precise composition and the pitch of the suspension when it transited into a kinetically arrested phase directly from the optical analysis of the film. This work highlights the key role that the anisotropic compression of the kinetically arrested state plays in the formation of CNC films and is relevant to the broader case of structure formation in cast dispersions and colloidal self-assembly upon solvent evaporation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Frka-Petesic
- Melville laboratory for polymer Synthesis, Chemistry dept., University of Cambridge
| | - Gen Kamita
- Melville laboratory for polymer Synthesis, Chemistry dept., University of Cambridge
| | - Giulia Guidetti
- Melville laboratory for polymer Synthesis, Chemistry dept., University of Cambridge
| | - Silvia Vignolini
- Melville laboratory for polymer Synthesis, Chemistry dept., University of Cambridge
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