In a significant advancement in sustainable materials science, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) researchers have discovered a method to process nanocellulose – a renewable, plant-based biomaterial – that reduces energy consumption by 21%. This innovation results from sophisticated molecular simulations powered by ORNL’s Frontier supercomputer, which helped scientists identify an ideal solvent, composed of sodium hydroxide and urea in water, to streamline nanocellulose production.
Nanocellulose, derived from plant cell walls, boasts remarkable strength, lightweight properties, and environmental benefits, making it ideal for use in 3D-printed housing and vehicle parts. The current fibrillation process, which separates cellulose into nanofibrils, is highly energy-intensive. However, by simulating atomic-level interactions, the team efficiently pinpointed a solvent that dramatically reduces energy demands. Testing revealed that the new solvent could save approximately 777 kilowatt-hours of electricity per ton of cellulose nanofibrils, enough to power a household for a month.
This development aligns with ORNL’s SM2ART program goals to create carbon-neutral materials for construction, reducing reliance on petroleum-based products. Researchers continue to explore other cost-effective pathways for nanocellulose production, aiming to integrate these findings into sustainable manufacturing and 3D-printing applications that could transform industries from housing to clean energy.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory. (2024, September 6). Molecular simulations, supercomputing lead to energy-saving biomaterials breakthrough. ScienceDaily. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240906234114.htm