Ultrafast Dissolution of Intact Wood via Deep Eutectic Solvent-Mediated Pathways

Abstract

The efficient dissolution of large-sized plant fiber biomass remains a long-standing challenge due to its compact, multi-layered cell wall architecture. Here, we report a universal and energy-efficient two-step dissolution strategy that enables the ultrafast (≤2.5 h) dissolution of bulk wood and other plant fibers at room temperature. The process employs a ZnCl2-lactic acid (LA) deep eutectic solvent (DES) to swell and activate the wood cell wall, followed by synergistic coordination with ZnCl2·3H2O to achieve complete molecular-level dissolution. This approach dramatically reduces energy consumption (5.01 kJ g⁻¹) and overcomes the diffusion and accessibility limitations that typically hinder biomass solubilization. The ZnCl2-LA DES disrupts inter- and intramolecular hydrogen bonding within cellulose microfibrils and ether linkages in lignin, facilitating structural disassembly of the cell wall. Upon regeneration, hierarchically entangled nanofiber networks are formed, enabling the fabrication of high-performance 1D filaments, 2D films, and 3D aerogels with superior mechanical flexibility and thermal stability. This work establishes a materials-by-design platform for the scalable and sustainable transformation of raw plant biomass into advanced functional materials, offering new opportunities for green manufacturing and circular bioeconomy applications.