fig2

Figure 2. The microstructural analysis and elemental mapping of NW and TrW through SEM and EDS. (A) Top-view SEM image of NW showing open large pores - beneficial for cell wall surface modification and layer-by-layer assembly of nanomaterials, (B-D) Side-view SEM images of NW cell wall surface from low to high resolution showing vertical channels and smooth cell wall surface. (E and F) EDS elemental maps of NW showing Oxygen (O), Carbon (C), and Nitrogen (N) as major components and Sulfur (S), Sodium (Na), and Iron (Fe) as minor constituents of NW. (G and H) Followed by the top-view SEM images of TrW showing decrease in channel width and modified lignin at the surface. (I and J) Side-view SEM images of TrW with modified lignin at cell wall surface. (K and L) EDS elemental maps of TrW showing O, C, and N as major components and S, Na, and Fe as minor constituents of TrW.