http://english.cas.cn/newsroom/research-news/202604/t20260428_1158213.shtml

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/sus2.70064

Researchers from the CAS Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering (NIMTE) have extracted 2 D cellulose nano sheets from cellulose using a mild chemical approach.

Inspired by ionic liquids, they developed a strategy to hierarchically and selectively regulate the hydrogen-bond network in cellulose. They used a zwitterion combined solid catalyst that covalently connects weak acid and weak base units within a solid matrix. This design enables precise control over ionic strength and selective catalytic depolymerization, allowing for the gentle breakdown of natural cellulose at the molecular level.

The resulting 2D CNSs measure 1-20 μm in lateral size with a thickness of 15-28 nm, and are composed of multiple cellulose nanocrystals (150-400 nm in length and 5-28 nm in diameter).

The discovery of native 2D lamellar nanostructures in natural cellulose provides new ideas for converting cellulose into high-performance nanomaterials.