Publication News: A Cleaner, Smarter Way to Make Cellulose Nanocrystals

Scientists love a challenge, and here’s one: how do you take a natural material, like cellulose, and turn it into something so small and strong that it could revolutionize materials science—without trashing the environment? That’s exactly what Dr. Neptun Yousefi and Prof. Eero Kontturi at Aalto University have tackled, and they’ve done it in a way that’s as ingenious as it is practical.

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are tiny, rod-shaped particles extracted from plant-based materials. They’re incredibly strong, lightweight, and biodegradable, making them perfect for everything from better medical implants to stronger composites. But the catch? Traditional methods for making CNCs are messy and wasteful, relying on harsh chemicals that generate a lot of pollution.

As part of the Dualflow project, Dr. Yousefi and Prof Kontturi came up with a two-step process that combines hydrolyzing cellulose with HCl gas and using electrochemical oxidation with a molecule called TEMPO. The result? Beautifully charged, high-quality CNCs—and no need for the nasty chemicals. Oh, and they figured out how to recycle most of their reagents, too.

“We’re achieving an overall yield of 71%, which is way ahead of what people are used to,” says Dr. Yousefi. “And it’s not just efficient—it’s sustainable. We show that you don’t have to compromise the planet to make cutting-edge materials.”

This process could be a game-changer. Imagine a future where advanced materials are cleanly made from renewable resources, driving innovation in everything from green energy to medicine. It’s science at its best—creative, impactful, and good for the world. Want to know more? Check out the full story here.