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Developing fibrillated cellulose as a sustainable technological material

Author

Listed:
  • Tian Li

    (University of Maryland
    University of Maryland)

  • Chaoji Chen

    (University of Maryland
    University of Maryland)

  • Alexandra H. Brozena

    (University of Maryland)

  • J. Y. Zhu

    (USDA Forest Products Laboratory)

  • Lixian Xu

    (Sappi Biotech)

  • Carlos Driemeier

    (Brazilian Biorenewables National Laboratory (LNBR), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM))

  • Jiaqi Dai

    (Inventwood LLC)

  • Orlando J. Rojas

    (The University of British Columbia
    Aalto University)

  • Akira Isogai

    (The University of Tokyo)

  • Lars Wågberg

    (KTH Royal Institute of Technology)

  • Liangbing Hu

    (University of Maryland
    University of Maryland)

Abstract

Cellulose is the most abundant biopolymer on Earth, found in trees, waste from agricultural crops and other biomass. The fibres that comprise cellulose can be broken down into building blocks, known as fibrillated cellulose, of varying, controllable dimensions that extend to the nanoscale. Fibrillated cellulose is harvested from renewable resources, so its sustainability potential combined with its other functional properties (mechanical, optical, thermal and fluidic, for example) gives this nanomaterial unique technological appeal. Here we explore the use of fibrillated cellulose in the fabrication of materials ranging from composites and macrofibres, to thin films, porous membranes and gels. We discuss research directions for the practical exploitation of these structures and the remaining challenges to overcome before fibrillated cellulose materials can reach their full potential. Finally, we highlight some key issues towards successful manufacturing scale-up of this family of materials.

Suggested Citation

  • Tian Li & Chaoji Chen & Alexandra H. Brozena & J. Y. Zhu & Lixian Xu & Carlos Driemeier & Jiaqi Dai & Orlando J. Rojas & Akira Isogai & Lars Wågberg & Liangbing Hu, 2021. "Developing fibrillated cellulose as a sustainable technological material," Nature, Nature, vol. 590(7844), pages 47-56, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:590:y:2021:i:7844:d:10.1038_s41586-020-03167-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-03167-7
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    Cited by:

    1. Jiadong Tang & Yun Wang & Hongyang Yang & Qianqian Zhang & Ce Wang & Leyuan Li & Zilong Zheng & Yuhong Jin & Hao Wang & Yifan Gu & Tieyong Zuo, 2024. "All-natural 2D nanofluidics as highly-efficient osmotic energy generators," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-12, December.
    2. Nathana L. Cristofoli & Alexandre R. Lima & Rose D. N. Tchonkouang & Andreia C. Quintino & Margarida C. Vieira, 2023. "Advances in the Food Packaging Production from Agri-Food Waste and By-Products: Market Trends for a Sustainable Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-33, April.
    3. Song, Gongxiang & Huang, Dexin & Ren, Qiangqiang & Hu, Song & Xu, Jun & Xu, Kai & Jiang, Long & Wang, Yi & Su, Sheng & Xiang, Jun, 2024. "Inner-particle reaction mechanism of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin during photo-thermal pyrolysis process: Evolution characteristics of free radicals," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 297(C).
    4. Itxaso Anso & Samira Zouhir & Thibault Géry Sana & Petya Violinova Krasteva, 2024. "Structural basis for synthase activation and cellulose modification in the E. coli Type II Bcs secretion system," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-15, December.
    5. Kentaro Tsubouchi & Yuta Tsukaguchi & Takeshi Shimizu & Hirofumi Yoshikawa & Ei-ichi Hino & Yusuke Date & Kaoru Aoki & Naoki Tanifuji, 2024. "Fabrication of Functional Gypsum Boards Using Waste Eggshells to Prevent Sick Building Syndrome," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-13, April.
    6. David Ibarra & Raquel Martín-Sampedro & Laura Jiménez-López & Juan A. Martín & Manuel J. Díaz & María E. Eugenio, 2021. "Obtaining Fermentable Sugars from a Highly Productive Elm Clone Using Different Pretreatments," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-21, April.
    7. Zhu, J.Y. & Pan, Xuejun, 2022. "Efficient sugar production from plant biomass: Current status, challenges, and future directions," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 164(C).
    8. Zhou, Qiaoqiao & Liu, Zhenyu & Wu, Ta Yeong & Zhang, Lian, 2023. "Furfural from pyrolysis of agroforestry waste: Critical factors for utilisation of C5 and C6 sugars," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 176(C).
    9. Piradee Jusakulvijit & Alberto Bezama & Daniela Thrän, 2022. "An Integrated Assessment of GIS-MCA with Logistics Analysis for an Assessment of a Potential Decentralized Bioethanol Production System Using Distributed Agricultural Residues in Thailand," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-24, August.
    10. Delon Konan & Ekoun Koffi & Adama Ndao & Eric Charles Peterson & Denis Rodrigue & Kokou Adjallé, 2022. "An Overview of Extrusion as a Pretreatment Method of Lignocellulosic Biomass," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-25, April.
    11. Mohammad Peydayesh, 2024. "Sustainable Materials via the Assembly of Biopolymeric Nanobuilding Blocks Valorized from Agri-Food Waste," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-11, February.
    12. Negrão, Djanira R. & Grandis, Adriana & Buckeridge, Marcos S. & Rocha, George J.M. & Leal, Manoel Regis L.V. & Driemeier, Carlos, 2021. "Inorganics in sugarcane bagasse and straw and their impacts for bioenergy and biorefining: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 148(C).

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