Nanocellulose–Zeolite Composite Films for Odor Elimination

Abstract

Free standing and strong odor-removing composite films of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) with a high content of nanoporous zeolite adsorbents have been colloidally processed. Thermogravimetric desorption analysis (TGA) and infrared spectroscopy combined with computational simulations showed that commercially available silicalite-1 and ZSM-5 have a high affinity and uptake of volatile odors like ethanethiol and propanethiol, also in the presence of water. The simulations showed that propanethiol has a higher affinity, up to 16%, to the two zeolites compared with ethanethiol. Highly flexible and strong free-standing zeolite-CNF films with an adsorbent loading of 89 w/w% have been produced by Ca-induced gelation and vacuum filtration. The CNF-network controls the strength of the composite films and 100 μm thick zeolite-CNF films with a CNF content of less than 10 vol % displayed a tensile strength approaching 10 MPa. Headspace solid phase microextraction (SPME) coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) analysis showed that the CNF-zeolite films can eliminate the volatile thiol-based odors to concentrations below the detection ability of the human olfactory system. Odor removing zeolite-cellulose nanofibril films could enable improved transport and storage of fruits and vegetables rich in odors, for example, onion and the tasty but foul-smelling South-East Asian Durian fruit.

Nanofibrillar networks enable universal assembly of superstructured particle constructs

“…CNFs have been shown to enable the structuring of particles [e.g., zeolites (27), metal-organic frameworks (28), and TiO 2 (29)], and here, we demonstrate the universal application of CNF to induce cohesion in particle constructs even if incorporated at extremely low fractions. We show that the ability of CNF to form a topologically complex network with high supramolecular cohesion is linked to the high aspect ratio of the fibrils (nanometers wide and up to several micrometers long; Fig.…”

Preparation of nanocrystalline cellulose-montmorillonite composite via thermal radiation for liquid-phase adsorption

“…A recent study by Keshavarzi et al [32] regarding composite material showed a similar morphology with NcMMT. In their study, composite (CNF-composite) was produced by sonicating the dispersions of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) and zeolite.…”

Odor in textiles: A review of evaluation methods, fabric characteristics, and odor control technologies

“…136,137 In odor control, they have been widely used in applications such as agricultural and municipal wastes, as well as in pet litter, 138,139 applied as topical agents to control body odor, 140 and combined in cellulosic films for food packaging. 141 Zeolites have been incorporated into cotton and polyester fabrics with the potential to provide protection against radiation. [142][143][144] Odor control using zeolite technology by Sciessent Lava TM has multiple textile applications, including apparel, sporting equipment, linens, and pet products, 145 with laundering regenerating the zeolite adsorption capacity.…”