Electrospinning of lignocellulosic biomass using ionic liquid

Nanoscale fiber was successfully electrospun from lignocellulosic biomass (hemp) dissolved by IL (1-ethyl-3-methylimiazolium acetate [C2min][OAc]). The biomass was treated by alkalis, NaOH and NaClO2 for different time to reduce the lignin content. For better spinnability, excess DMF was added to the spinning dope. When the residual lignin content was higher than 6%, the solution was sprayed into mist type droplets or formed large drops at the end of the nozzle without forming stable jet. The further reduction of the lignin resulted in more stable jet and better spinnability as well as smaller and uniform fiber diameter.

► Natural lignocellulose was successfully electrospun into nanoscale fiber.
► The alkaline treatment removed the lignin content significantly.
► The reduction of the lignin content improved the spinnability as well as reduced the average and the standard deviation of the electrospun fiber.