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Prof. Jin Woong Kim's team, collaborating with Prof. Bum Jun Park's team from Kyung Hee University and Cosmocos Co., Ltd., has identified the core mechanism of a nanocellulose-based catalytic system and demonstrated its potential as an eco-friendly petrochemical catalyst.

Traditional desulfurization in petrochemical industries causes energy consumption and environmental pollution due to high-temperature, high-pressure conditions and extensive oxidizing agent use. The research team developed a charge-based self-assembling nanomesh structure using renewable nanocellulose that functions as an emulsion microreactor, enabling efficient, environmentally friendly desulfurization.

The technology's core principle involves strong electrostatic adsorption between the emulsion interface's natural negative charge (-0.3 C/m²) and cationic nanocellulose (HNC⁺). This generates a powerful adsorption energy of -1,200 k_BT, causing HNC⁺ to form a stable nanomesh network at the interface, providing superior stability compared to conventional systems.

The nanomesh structure, with uniform ~34 nm pores, promotes selective biphasic diffusion. The catalytic complex formed by terminal positive charges and oxidizing agents achieves over 95% desulfurization activity. This microreactor maintains structural integrity under extreme conditions (pH 2-13, 1.8M NaCl, 90°C) and demonstrates excellent durability after repeated use.

Prof. Kim stated, "This highly stable microreactor represents an innovative turning point that overcomes the limitations of existing catalyst systems dependent on high temperature, pressure, and cost," adding that "this achievement will serve as foundation technology for environmentally friendly processes and sustainable chemical industries."

The technology has been patented (Application No.: R-2023-0964-KR-1) with Cosmocos Co., Ltd., showing potential for expansion in cosmetics, drug delivery, and functional coatings as an eco-friendly biodegradable emulsifier.

This research was supported by the INNOPOLIS Foundation and the National Research Foundation of Korea and published in Advanced Materials (IF: 27.4) on March 18, 2025.

※ Title: Charge-Directed Nanocellulose Assembly for Interfacial Phase-Transfer Catalysis

※ Authors: Jaewon Shin (First Author), Bokgi Seo, Kyung-Ho Choi, DaAe Park, Hee Jung Lee, Dae Hyun Shin, Prof. Bum Jun Park (Corresponding Author), Prof. Jin Woong Kim (Corresponding Author)

※ Journal: Advanced Materials

※ Paper Link: doi.org/10.1002/adma.202418325