The fabrication of lignocellulose-based hydrogels typically involves complex modification or dissolution processes using a single component of lignocellulose. However, these processes often have a significant environmental impact, posing challenges to achieving green production of these hydrogels. In this study, we present a non-dissolving strategy to convert whole components of corn stover directly into hydrogel. The central step in this strategy is to expose more functional groups in the corn stover through steam explosion. The exposure of functional groups allowed the steam-exploded corn stover to strengthen the mechanical properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel by forming more hydrogen bonds with PVA molecules. The tensile strength of the prepared lignocellulose-based hydrogel reached 329.75 kPa, which was 432.69% higher compared to the pure PVA hydrogel. Furthermore, this hydrogel exhibited the advantageous properties of lignin, such as antioxidant and UV resistance capabilities, and was shown to be useful as a sand-fixing agent for large-scale applications. Finally, we verified the universal applicability of the non-solubilizing strategy by preparing similarly shaped hydrogel products from wheat bran and poplar wood flour as well. In summary, our non-dissolving strategy provides a simpler and more cost-effective method than the intricate process of creating lignocellulose-based hydrogels. This simplification helps convert abundant lignocellulosic materials into valuable products.
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