I am a researcher currently working on a study about isolation of cellulose nanocrystals from a sugarcane leaves, and I would like to know if I can use sodium hypochlorite as bleaching agent. And if I can use it, what are the optimal conditions that will not degrade my isolated cellulose.
You can certainly use it. It is not as selective as say hydrogen peroxide. In full scale bleach plants it is added at 0.5 to 3% (W/W) at fairly low temperatures - 35 to 80 C. You also want to be at a high pH, 11.0. These are all fairly aggressive conditions. Are you concerned about removing the remaining lignin?
How are you producing your CNC's?
Yes, sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) is commonly used as a bleaching agent in the isolation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from various natural sources, including sugarcane leaves. It can effectively remove lignin and other impurities, leaving behind a purified cellulose matrix that can be further processed into CNCs.
However, it's important to use sodium hypochlorite cautiously, as excessive or prolonged exposure to this chemical can degrade cellulose and result in reduced quality of CNCs.
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