Dissociation of intra/inter-molecular hydrogen bonds of cellulose molecules in the dissolution process: a mini review

Cellulose is abundant in nature, with the advantages of low-cost, biodegradable and biocompatible, low density and high strength. However, the development and application of cellulose has been lagging behind its potential due to its unique properties. Cellulose has a large quantity of hydroxyl groups which can easily form hydrogen bond networks. The huge hydrogen bond network makes it extremely difficult to dissolve or melt cellulose, thus limiting the effective use of cellulose resources. To dissolve cellulose, the key is to break the hydrogen bonds. This article sums up recent studies on the dissociation or breakage of the intramolecular and intermolecular hydrogen bonds in the dissolution of cellulose.