Facile preparation of lignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils from sugarcane bagasse by mild soda-oxygen pulping

Lignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils (LCNFs) with tunable lignin contents from sugarcane bagasse were directly prepared by low-temperature soda‑oxygen pulping combined with simple mechanical treatment. The residual lignin structure, morphology and physical dimensions of LCNFs, and properties of the relevant cellulose nanopapers (CNPs) were investigated. In situ 2D Heteronuclear Single Quantum Coherence (HSQC) NMR spectra showed β-O-4 linkages, ferulate, and para-coumarate were well preserved in the LCNFs. Compared with the cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs), LCNFs displayed a more uniform size and narrow diameter distribution. The corresponding CNPs exhibited outstanding mechanical properties (tensile strength reached 152.9 MPa), and excellent combined optical properties both in the UV blocking and visible light transparency. Moreover, the water contact angles (50.0-80.2°) of LCNFs were much higher than that of CNFs (21.7°). Direct preparation of LCNFs under mild condition would unlock the full potential of cellulosic materials and provide enhanced opportunities for cellulose to fabricate multi-functional and high-value materials.