The effect of organic acid hydrolysis on the properties of nanocellulose from edamame husk (Glycine max (L.) merill)

The increasing demand for sustainable materials has highlighted nanocellulose as a promising candidate due to its exceptional mechanical strength, thermal stability, and superior barrier properties. These attributes enable its application in diverse fields, including packaging, biomedical devices, and nanocomposites. This study investigates the valorization of edamame bean husks, a byproduct of the globally consumed legume snack, as a sustainable feedstock for nanocellulose production. Cellulose was extracted from the husks via delignification and bleaching, followed by a green and facile acid hydrolysis method employing organic acids (maleic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, and formic acid) to produce nanocellulose. The resulting nanocellulose exhibited a fibrillar morphology with particle sizes ranging from 7.59 to 17.51 nm, depending on the acid used. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed a crystallinity index ranging from 63.49 % to 67.24 %. Notably, acid hydrolysis significantly enhanced the thermal stability of the nanocellulose compared to both the raw husk and isolated cellulose. These findings demonstrate the potential of edamame agricultural waste as a valuable resource for sustainable and eco-friendly nanocellulose production, contributing to a circular bioeconomy.