Abstract
As the most abundant natural polymer, cellulose is a prime candidate for the preparation of both sustainable and economically viable polymeric products hitherto predominantly produced from oil-based synthetic polymers. However, the utilization of cellulose to its full potential is constrained by its recalcitrance to chemical processing. Both fundamental and applied aspects of cellulose dissolution remain active areas of research and include mechanistic studies on solvent–cellulose interactions, the development of novel solvents and/or solvent systems, the optimization of dissolution conditions, and the preparation of various cellulose-based materials. In this review, we build on existing knowledge on cellulose dissolution, including the structural characteristics of the polymer that are important for dissolution (molecular weight, crystallinity, and effect of hydrophobic interactions), and evaluate widely used non-derivatizing solvents (sodium hydroxide (NaOH)-based systems, N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc)/lithium chloride (LiCl), N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO), and ionic liquids). We also cover the subsequent regeneration of cellulose solutions from these solvents into various architectures (fibers, films, membranes, beads, aerogels, and hydrogels) and review uses of these materials in specific applications, such as biomedical, sorption, and energy uses.
Highlights
The Sustainability Aspects of Cellulosic MaterialsCellulose is the most abundant renewable natural polymer on Earth, so it is of substantial economic importance [1]
It is the main constituent of plant fiber, which makes one third of all plant materials on average, the amount of cellulose greatly varies from source to source
Cotton fiber is the purest form of plant cellulose, with a cellulose content as high as 90%, while the cellulose content in woody biomass ranges from 40% to 50% [2,3]
Summary
Cellulose is the most abundant renewable natural polymer on Earth, so it is of substantial economic importance [1]. By virtue of being the most abundant, renewable, biodegradable, and biocompatible polymer, cellulose is obviously a promising resource for the preparation of green products for different applications. In this regard, the benefits of the use of cellulose over other biopolymers are numerous. Among other plant-based carbohydrates, cellulose exhibits the highest degree of resistance to degradation [15] This property is advantageous for the required durability in many consumer products while still allowing for biodegradability once disposed
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