Dongyan Liu

De-sulfation of cellulose nanowhiskers and its effects on the dispersion behavior of graphene

ABSTRACT The role of negative charges on cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs) in the aqueous dispersion behaviors of graphene has been investigated. The sulfate groups were partially removed from the CNWs with sodium hydroxide solution. Both CNWs and desulfated cellulose nanowhiskers (D-CNWs) were applied in the aqueous dispersion process of graphene. The dispersing result was evaluated by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectra. It revealed the dispersing ability of D-CNWs became worse due to the removal of sulfate groups. It demonstrated the negative charged sulfate groups on CNWs played an important role in the graphene dispersing process. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Electrospinning: Current Status and Future Trends

With the emerging nanotechnology, nanoscaled materials have drawn much attention to wide research communities for many years. Nanoscaled fibrous materials offer a multitude of fascinating features such as high surface area-to-volume ratio and tuneable porosity, making them attractive for widespread applications. Among different methods for nanofibre fabrication, electrospinning is a simple and versatile process for generating ultrathin fibres from a variety of polymeric materials or composites. This chapter gives a holistic review on current approaches and developments in electrospinning and its future trends in manufacturing advanced materials.

Isolation of Cellulose Nanowhiskers and Their Nanocomposites

Nanocellulose, as a natural polymeric nanomaterial, has been attractive due to its renewability, biodegradability, nontoxicity, high mechanical strength and surface reactivity. The chapter will focus on the isolation and characterization of cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs). The manufacturing methods including solvent casting, electrospinning, melt blending, and in situ polymerization of cellulose nanowhiskers reinforced polymer nanocomposite will be also reviewed in the chapter.

Properties and characterization of electrically conductive nanocellulose-based composite films

Abstract Nanocellulose is attracting more and more attention from the scientists due to its high mechanical strength and environmental sustainability. Nanocellulosebased conducting composite film shows promise in the application of nanopaper-based sensors, flexible electrodes, and conducting adhesives. This chapter first briefly introduces the fundamentals of nanocellulose and conducting polymer polyaniline (PANI). Then, it describes the synthesis and properties of electrically conductive nanocellulose-based composite films. PANI was used as electrical function component. The effects of the concentration of aqueous nanocellulose suspension on the structures and properties of the composites are discussed.