Waste management to clean environment: Optimization of acid/alkali concentration for efficient cellulose extraction from cotton waste | [Soil and Environment • 2025]

Author(s):

1. Hira Azhar: Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture,Faisalabad, 38000,Pakistan

2. Muhammad Yaseen: Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture,Faisalabad, 38000,Pakistan

3. Muhammad Afzal: National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE),Faisalabad, 38000,Pakistan

4. Muhammad Naveed: Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture,Faisalabad, 38000,Pakistan

5. Muhammad Shahbaz: Department of Botany, University of Agriculture,Faisalabad, 38000,Pakistan

Abstract:

This study investigated the optimization of acid and alkali concentrations for the efficient extraction of cellulose from cotton wastes. Various concentrations of sulfuric acid (H2SO4), hydrochloric acid (HCl), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and potassium hydroxide (KOH) were tested to assess their efficiency in extracting cellulose from different cotton waste materials, including crop and cloth wastes. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), as well as X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to determine the degree of structural integrity and crystallinity of the extracted cellulose. From the obtained results there is clear evidence that 90% H2SO4 had the highest efficiency in extracting the cellulose which is confirmed by more advanced FTIR peaks related to cellulose functional groups and high crystallinity index according to the XRD analysi s. The cellulose extracted through this method exhibited strong C-O-C linkages and O-H vibrations, confirming its purity and structural integrity. In contrast, cellulose extracted using HCl, NaOH, and KOH showed lower efficiency, with weaker FTIR signals and less crystalline structures.

Page(s): 28-40

DOI: 10.25252/SE/2025/253589

Published: Journal: Soil and Environment, Volume: 44, Issue: 1, Year: 2025

Keywords:

FTIR analysis , XRD , cotton waste , Acid and alkali hydrolysis , cellulose extraction , heavy metal adsorption

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