Nanocellulose As an Ecofriendly Source in Nanoscience: Synthesis, Characterization, Properties, and Applications—A Review

Abstract

Nanocellulose is a promising future material which has got attention due to its unique characteristics. Properties which make nanocellulose special are the eco-friendliness, high strength, stiffness, renewability, abundance, tunable surface characteristics, and low weight. This review addresses major factors like processing of nanocellulose, modification, properties, preparation of nanocomposites from nanocellulose, and their application in different fields. This review facilitates the selection of biomass sources, processing techniques for NC synthesis, application, and challenges. This review also emphasizes on different applications of nanocellulose reinforced polymer composites in different areas such as biomedical, packaging, electronic and environmental remediation, etc. Recent developments in the processing of cellulose nanocomposites using solution casting and other complex methods have been highlighted. As an emerging functional polymeric material, nanocellulose has become a research hotspot. The importance of nanocellulose in future includes the design of nanocellulose as per the specific user requirements, reduction of the production cost, and making customized products using nanocellulose using green processing. Hence this review is intended to provide new insights into the field of eco-friendly fundamental materials with in-depth perspectives and current research trends in its future applications. © 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH.