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Nanocellulose crystals (NCCs) were successfully prepared via acid hydrolysis from an abundant agricultural waste (tea stalk) in China. The effective factors for NCC yield were modeled by the response surface methodology (RSM). The RSM determined the reaction conditions (H 2 SO 4 concentration, hydrolysis temperature, and reaction time) that optimized the yield of tea stalk NCCs (TNCCs). Under the optimized operating conditions, the fundamental properties of TNCCs were characterized via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), laser diffraction particle-size analyzer, and scanning probe microscopy (SPM). Wood NCCs (WNCCs) and microcrystalline NCCs (MNCCs) were simultaneously prepared from common wood and microcrystalline cellulose under the same conditions. The results show that TNCCs not only shows similar physical and chemical properties with WNCCs and MNCCs, but also has better stability. Therefore, this study offers novel routes for high-valued utilization of tea stalk and provides some theoretical guidance for utilizing cellulose obtained from tea stalk. Unlabelled Image • Successful preparation of Nanocellulose crystals (NCCs) from Tea stalk of agricultural waste; • Conditions for determining the optimal yield of hydrolysis by response surface methodology (RSM); • Nanocellulose crystals were prepared from wood and microcrystal cellulose under the same conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Technion-Israel Institute of Technology was established in 1912 in Haifa (Israel), and it has been always an oasis for cutting-edge knowledge generation and exchange with one common mission: generating social development for a better life. Thermoelectricity, superconductivity, and terahertz photoconductivity are analyzed by Prof. Yaron Amouyal (article number 1901789), Alex Hayat (article number 1807379), and Daniel Grave (article number 1901590), respectively. Mechanical behaviors of different materials are analyzed by Prof. Charles Diesendruck (intramolecular interactions in stretchable polymers; article number 1901806), Prof. Eugene Rabkin (pseudoelasticity in metal nanoparticles; article number 1807554), and Prof. Elad Koren (superlubricity of gold-graphite interfaces; article number 1901138). [Extracted from the article]

Studies the visualization of dynamic organization of cytoskeleton gels in living cells through the use of hybrid scanning probe microscopy. Key issues of interest; Analysis of pertinent topics and relevant issues; Implications on Chinese studies of polymer science.

The article focuses on the developments in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology in China. These terms refer to the growing knowledge base and technical framework for understanding and manipulating matter on nanometer scales ranging from the atomic to the cellular. When the concept of nanoscience and nanotechnology was first introduced in the 1980s, it was received favorably in China. The initial interest was in part stimulated by the development of new tools and techniques for observing materials on the nanoscale, especially scanning probe microscopes (SPMs). Early explorations by Chinese scientists using scanning tunneling microscopes and other types of SPMs helped build excitement about nanoscience and nanotechnology and led to visions of new techniques for revealing nanostructures and the novel properties that these structures can lead to. Soon after the concept began trickling through the scientific ranks, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the State Science and Technology Commission began funding nanoscience-related work and activities.