The goal of this study is to isolate cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) from sugarcane leaves (SCL) and fabricate filter membranes. Filter membranes consisting of the CNC and varying amount graphene oxide (GO) were fabricated using vacuum filtration technique. The α-cellulose content increased from 53.56 ± 0.49 % in untreated SCL to 78.44 ± 0.56 % and 84.99 ± 0.44 % in steam-exploded and bleached fibers, respectively. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) of CNC isolated from SCL indicated nanosized particles in the range of 7.3 nm and 150 nm for diameter and length, respectively. Morphologies of the fiber and CNC/GO membranes were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and crystallinity by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of crystal lattice. The crystallinity index of CNC decreased with the addition of GO into the membranes. The CNC/GO-2 recorded the highest tensile index of 3.001 MPa. The removal efficiency increases with increasing GO content. The highest removal efficiency of 98.08 % was recorded for CNC/GO-2. CNC/GO-2 membrane reduced growth of Escherichia coli to 65 CFU compared to >300 CFU of control sample. SCL is a potential bioresource for isolation of cellulose nanocrystals and fabrication of high-efficiency filter membrane for particulate matter removal and inhibition of bacteria.
Keywords: Cellulose nanocrystals/graphene oxide composite; Filter membrane; Particulate matter and airborne pathogens.
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