Highly Charged\nCellulose Nanocrystals via Electrochemical\nOxidation

Due to their exceptional properties, cellulose nanocrystals\n(CNCs)\nhave been proposed for various applications in sustainable materials\nscience. However, state-of-the-art production methods suffer from\nlow yields and rely on hazardous and environmentally harmful chemicals,\nrepresenting a bottleneck for more widespread utilization of CNCs.\nIn this study, we present a novel two-step approach that combines\npreviously established HCl gas hydrolysis with electrochemical TEMPO\noxidation. This unique method allows the collection of easily dispersible\nCNCs with high carboxylate contents in excellent overall yields of\n71%. The electromediated oxidation was conducted in aqueous conditions\nwithout the usually required cocatalysts, simplifying the purification\nof the materials. Moreover, the proposed process is designed for facile\nrecycling of the used reagents in both steps. To evaluate the sustainability\nand scalability, the environmental impact factor was calculated, and\na cost analysis was conducted.