Bionanocomposites of regenerated cellulose/zeolite prepared using environmentally benign ionic liquid solvent

• The regenerated cellulose/zeolite nanocomposite films were prepared via ionic liquid.
• TEM and FESEM revealed well dispersed zeolite in cellulose matrix.
• The nanocomposite films exhibited excellent mechanical and thermal properties.
• Water absorption and moisture uptake of the nanocomposites was reduced.
• RC and its nanocomposites had a good biocompatibility.

Bionanocomposite films based on regenerated cellulose (RC) and incorporated with zeolite at different concentrations were fabricated by dissolving cellulose in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (EMIMCl) ionic liquid using a simple green method. The interactions between the zeolite and the cellulose matrix were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectra. Mechanical properties of the nanocomposite films significantly improved as compared with the pure regenerated cellulose film, without the loss of extensibility. Zeolite incorporation enhanced the thermal stability and char yield of the nanocomposites. The scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed that zeolite was uniformly dispersed in the regenerated cellulose matrix. In vitro cytotoxicity test demonstrated that both RC and RC/zeolite nanocomposite films are cytocompatible. These results indicate that the prepared nanocomposites have potential applications in biodegradable packaging, membranes and biomedical areas.