Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNC) from Renewable Bioenergy Crops: A Sustainable Green Material for the Future.

Finding alternative renewable bioenergy sources have become the priority in recent years where the emphasis has been given to identify non-food and non-invasive crop which can produce higher biomass with lower inputs. Perennial crops like napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) and energy cane (Saccharum spp.); annual crops like biomass and sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Monech) have become potential choices for lignocellulosic ethanol production. However, significant amount of cellulosic biomass is often discarded as residual waste or bagasse which can contain up to 43% cellulose. It is imperative to harness the potential of cellulose for a sustainable bioenergy system. At present, cellulose nanocrystals are looked as potential nanomaterials for use in reinforcing bio-nanocomposites, drug delivery, barrier film, membrane, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and conductive material due to their unique mechanical and biological properties. The aim of this research is to develop optimized extraction protocol and characterization of cellulosic nanocrystals from cellulosic biomass of perennial bioenergy crops napier grass (NG) and energy cane (EC), biomass sorghum (BS) and sweet sorghum (SS). The cellulosic nanocrystals will be extracted by a two-step chemical process. The surface morphology, light transmittance and thermal stability will be analyzed and feasibility to be used as bio-nanocomposite will be evaluated.