Advances in Cellulose-Based Materials: A Comprehensive Review of Functionalization and Processing for Water Remediation
Wafaa Abou-Elseoud, Mohammad Hassan*
Cellulose and Paper Department & Center of Excellence for Advanced Sciences, Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Group, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
* Corresponding Author: Mohammad Hassan. Email: 
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Process and Engineering of Lignocellulose Utilization)
Journal of Renewable Materials https://doi.org/10.32604/jrm.2026.02025-0190
Received 09 October 2025; Accepted 06 March 2026; Published online 30 March 2026
Abstract
Cellulose-based materials have emerged as promising biomaterials for advanced water remediation technologies due to their bioavailability, non-toxicity, biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, and ease of chemical modification. Cellulose can be prepared in multiple forms, including nanomaterials such as cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs), cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), and electrospun nanofibers. The abundant surface functional groups, such as hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, enable chemical tailoring, grafting, and composite formation with organic and inorganic additives, including metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), carbon-based materials, and metal oxide nanoparticles. These modifications enhance pollutant removal through adsorption, catalysis, and antimicrobial activity, enabling the treatment of heavy metals, dyes, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, oils, and microbial contaminants. Cellulosic materials can be engineered into diverse structures such as membranes, aerogels, filters, papers, and foams. This review discusses two major approaches for water remediation: cellulose-based systems—including smart composites, MOF-integrated materials, photocatalytic membranes, and chemically modified derivatives—and nanocellulose-based systems utilizing CNF, CNC, electrospun fibers, and bacterial cellulose for efficient pollutant removal. Future work should focus on developing cellulose-based materials containing both anionic and cationic groups, as well as advancing cellulose–MOF composites with higher surface area and lower density to improve adsorption efficiency.
Keywords
Cellulose; stimuli-responsive; metal organic frameworks; nanocellulose; composites; water remediation
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