Abstract

This article describes the kinetics and capacity of adsorbing condensed conifer tannins onto cationic cellulose nanocrystals (CCNCs). Batch adsorption experiments were carried as a function of pH, contact time, and initial tannin concentration with constant cationic cellulose nanocrystal concentration (0.01%). The adsorption process was highly pH dependent as adsorption capacities ranged from 13.2 mg/g to 112.7 mg/g at pH of 3–10. The amount of tannin adsorbed per unit mass of the cationic cellulose nanocrystals increased with increasing of tannin concentration until equilibrium was attained. The experimental data followed the Langmuir adsorption model, and the maximum experimental and theoretical adsorption capacities for the cationic nanocrystals reached 1,008 mg/g and 1,111 mg/g, respectively. The kinetics of adsorption was described best by the pseudo‐second‐order kinetics indicating a chemisorption process. The inherent adsorption has interesting applications for CCNC‐complexes with natural polyphenolics in green chemical applications for adhesives, adsorbents, preservatives, and packaging materials.