Isolation of Cellulose Nanocrystals from Banana Peel Using One-Pot Microwave and Mild Oxidative Hydrolysis System.

The current investigation deals with the application of a one-pot system to facilitate the production of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from banana peel by a combination of microwave pre-treatment and mild oxidative hydrolysis with hydrogen peroxide (HO, 0-30 wt%) and sulfuric acid (HSO, 0-10%). HO causes decolorization of the banana peel suspension from dark brown to light yellow, while further treatment with HSO produces a white suspension, indicating successful removal of the non-cellulosic components from the banana peel. This finding was further supported by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis, which showed the gradual disappearance of lignin and hemicellulose peaks with increasing HO and HSO concentrations.