Comparative in situ microscopic observation of cellulose and chitin in hydrothermal conditions

Abstract

Cellulose is the most abundant biopolymer on earth, while chitin is the most abundant biopolymer in the marine environment. This chapter reviews stability of these polysaccharides in water at high temperatures and high pressures up to the supercritical state of water (Tc = 374 °C, Pc = 22.1 MPa), which was studied by in situ optical microscopy. The results have direct ramifications in considering/developing hydrothermal biomass conversion, hydrothermal synthesis of inorganic-organic composites, and fossilization of soft-bodied organisms.