Obtención de nanocelulosa mediante la hidrólisis ácida de la cáscara de Solanum tuberosum

Abstract

The growing generation and disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW) is a major problem for the environment. Landfills are widely used for MSW management; however, they can generate several environmental problems such as: contamination of groundwater, soils, among others. In Ecuador among the different types of existing waste, there are those of the potato (Solanum tuberosum), which do not have any type of use. This research raises the possibility of obtaining nanocellulose from potato peel. To do this, samples were taken from the potato peel; its composition was analyzed and the moisture content, as well as cellulose, was determined; it was subsequently subjected to acid hydrolysis to obtain the nanocellulose. It was worked with temperatures of 50 – 70 degrees Celsius for 50 minutes, and concentrations of sulfuric acid (AS), 4 - 6 M. An infrared analysis of the peel of the potato and the product obtained was carried out. In addition, a scanning electron microscopy (MEB) analysis was performed to determine the size and morphology of the nanocellulose. The percentage of humidity was 86.1%, and the percentage of cellulose was 22.2%. The infrared spectrum showed the characteristic signals of nanocellulose, having bands around 3335.73 cm-1 corresponding to the O-H groups, to 1367.55 cm-1 of the C-CH3 groups, to 2917.47 cm-1 corresponding to the C-H groups and to 1160.16cm-1 of the C-O groups. The analysis by (MEB) showed nanoparticles with diameters between 30 and 11450 nm. It is concluded that the most favorable conditions to obtain nanocellulose are: acid hydrolysis with (AS) 6 M, and a temperature of 50 degrees Celsius. Finally, it is recommended to vary the hydrolysis time to obtain better results with more dilute concentrations of (AS).