Eco-friendly extraction of cellulose from Ailanthus altissima for nanocellulose production: physico-chemical properties

Nanocellulose is a promising bionanomaterial which has gained significant attention due to its diverse applications in many important areas. Thus, scientists and technologists are constantly searching for the most economical, sustainable, and eco-friendly production to fulfill its growing need. In this study, cellulose and nanocellulose were isolated from the plant of Ailanthus altissima utilizing a multi-step, environmentally friendly approach involving alkaline treatment and chlorine-free bleaching. The analysis of purified cellulose was conducted by utilizing modern techniques, such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD analysis determined the degree of crystallinity of extracted cellulose i.e. 67.41 % and crystallite size 43.4 & ANGS; by using Segal method and Scherrer equation respectively. The TGA curve showed the thermal degradation pattern of the cellulosic and nanocellulosic material. Furthermore, SEM technique was used to study the morphological changes in the surface of lignocellulosic fibers with chemical treatment. This novel biomass source has to be a potential usage for a wide range of applications in industrial processes.