Chemically Cross-Linked Cellulose Nanocrystal Aerogels with Shape Recovery and Superabsorbent Properties

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are entering the marketplace as new high-strength nanoadditives from renewable resources. These high aspect ratio particles have potential applications as rheological modifiers, reinforcing agents in composites, coatings, and porous materials. In this work, chemically cross-linked CNC aerogels were prepared based on hydrazone cross-linking of hydrazide and aldehyde-functionalized CNCs. The resulting aerogels were ultralightweight (5.6 mg/cm3) and highly porous (99.6%) with a bimodal pore distribution (mesopores 1 μm). Chemically cross-linked CNC aerogels showed enhanced mechanical properties and shape recovery ability, particularly in water, compared to previous reports of physically cross-linked CNC aerogels. Specifically, the aerogel shape recovered more than 85% after 80% compression, even after 20 compress and release cycles. These CNC aerogels can absorb significant amounts of both water (160 ± 10 g/g of aerogel) and dodecane (72 ± 5 g/g of aerogel...

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