High-yield preparation of a zwitterionically charged chitin nanofiber and its application in a doubly pH-responsive Pickering emulsion†
Kai Pang,Beibei Ding,Xiaoting Liu,Hao Wu,Yongxin Duan,Jianming Zhang
Green Chemistry Pub Date : 07/03/2017 00:00:00 , DOI:10.1039/C7GC01592E
Abstract

Novel zwitterionic chitin nanofibers (ChNFs) decorated with both cationic (NH3+) and anionic (COO) groups on the surface have broad applications in various environments. Herein, we demonstrate a rapid and high-yield (up to 85%) synthesis of a zwitterionic ChNF by the combination of partial deacetylation and oxidation using the TEMPO/NaClO2/NaClO system. Meanwhile, we present the potential application of a bio-based ChNF as an environmentally and doubly pH-responsive Pickering emulsifier to replace conventional pH-responsive Pickering emulsifiers such as inorganic nanoparticles or grafted polymers. This high yield preparation achieved by our method will be in favor of the large-scale applications of ChNFs.

Graphical abstract: High-yield preparation of a zwitterionically charged chitin nanofiber and its application in a doubly pH-responsive Pickering emulsion