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  • Sustainable Production of Chitin Nanowhiskers from Crustacean Biomass Using Cost-Effective Ionic Liquids: Strategies to Avoid Byproduct Formation
Title: Sustainable Production of Chitin Nanowhiskers from Crustacean Biomass Using Cost-Effective Ionic Liquids: Strategies to Avoid Byproduct Formation
Nanochitin, especially in the form of chitin nanowhiskers (ChNWs), represents a significant advance in biopolymer technology due to its high specific surface area, superior tensile strength, and excellent thermal stability. Derived from crustacean waste, which contains 15–40% of chitin, these materials provide a sustainable option that diverts waste from landfills and contributes to environmental conservation. Traditional methods of isolating nanochitin are energy-intensive and generate substantial waste. This study introduces a more sustainable method using inexpensive ionic liquids (ILs) such as [Hmim][HSO4] and [HN222][HSO4], which bypass the costly and destructive steps of traditional procedures. This study also identified the byproduct in IL-mediated chitin hydrolysis reaction as calcium sulfate dihydrate and presented a solution to circumvent the byproduct formation. The effectiveness of the [HN222][HSO4] IL in producing ChNWs from both purified chitin and crustacean biomass was assessed, showing a high yield and maintaining the purity and structural integrity of chitin, thereby demonstrating a significant reduction in the environmental footprint of ChNW production.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2243420
PAR ID:
10554281
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ;
Publisher / Repository:
MDPI
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Sustainable Chemistry
Volume:
5
Issue:
2
ISSN:
2673-4079
Page Range / eLocation ID:
130 to 148
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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