Solid-state NMR and the structure of cellulose

Solid-state NMR and the structure of cellulose

Chemistry

Scott Steer

Rosalie Cresswell, Christine Yang

Cellulose is the most abundant natural polymer in the world, acting as the primary structural component in plant cell walls and key in processing several biomaterials. Cellulosic materials are sustainable alternatives to synthesised polymers such as plastics, with the potential to replace them in many sectors, such as textiles and packaging. To utilise cellulose effectively, we must understand how its structure changes under a variety of treatments and processes. Inspired by this notion, this project investigates how different drying methods affect the structure of cellulose extracted from tomatoes, using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR), a spectroscopic technique that reveals the molecular structure without destroying the sample.

cellulose, NMR, tomatoes, physics, chemistry, biology, sustainable,