Isolation, Physicochemical and BET Analysis of Cellulose from Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth (Oil Bean) Pod Biomass Wastes

Abstract

Biomass systems are based on a wide range of feedstock, like food and agricultural waste. The quest for bio-adsorbents that are environmentally benign is the rationale for this study. Thus, the research is aimed at the isolation, physicochemical, and BET analysis of cellulose obtained from Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth Pod (PMBP) biomass waste. The powdered PMBP was dewaxed with toluene and ethanol (2:1) and, thereafter, treated with aqueous sodium hypochlorite (7.5% at 70oC) and sodium hydroxide (17.5%w/v at 80oC) to obtain isolated cellulose. Proximate, ultimate, and chemical composition analysis reveals the presence of cellulose (42.7%), hemicelluloses (7.8%), lignin (38.5%), silicon (40.72%), aluminium (17.10%) and elements. The FTIR and Raman spectroscopic analysis revealed some of the functional groups associated with isolated cellulose and raw PMBP. The presence of hemicelluloses and lignin in the isolated cellulose implies that the isolation process did not remove all the impurities. The BET analysis reveals a better specific surface area, pore volume, and average pore diameter or size of the isolated cellulose, and could serve as a better adsorbent than the raw. As a result of the increased surface area and high percentage of isolated cellulose in PMBP, it can be used as a sustainable energy source as well as for the environmental remediation of heavy metals.

Microcrystalline Cellulose of Oil Bean Pod: Extraction, Physico-chemical, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and Flow-ability Analysis

“…The dewaxing technique used was consistent with Nsude et al [11]. The powdered OBP sample (100g) was extracted for 6 hours with 375 ml of toluene and ethanol (2:1) using a soxhlet extractor to remove chlorophyll pigments and waxes.…”

“…The method of Nsude et al [11] with some modifications was used. A 100g of dust-free, defatted OBP sample was measured out using an analytical weighing balance and placed in a beaker, followed by the addition of NaOH (4.32M, 100ml) solution in a solid liquid ratio of 1:10.…”

“…"It also has some very important characteristics, such as renewability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. It also has extensive chemical modification capabilities" [11]. "Cellulose can be manufactured from a variety of natural resources such as wood, plants, bacteria, and algae.…”

“…a binder and filler used in food, pharmaceutical pills, and other products It has also been used as a reinforcing agent in the manufacture of polymer composites. MCC has also been used as a suspension stabilizer, water retainer, viscosity regulator, and emulsifier in pastes and creams" [7,11,13].…”

“…Researchers previously estimated that the oil bean seed is edible and a good source of essential oil. Nsude et al [11] recently discovered some essential minerals and alpha cellulose in oil bean pods. According to Madukasi et al [2], an oil bean pod contains 3,456 kcal per kilogramme of energy and microelements that could be used as feedstock.…”