Work

Cellulose ionic conductors for sustainable ion transport in next-generation electrochemical devices

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Cellulose-derived ionic conductors (CICs) are emerging as sustainable alternatives to conventional ion-conducting materials in electrochemical devices. This review highlights recent progress in the synthesis, functionalization, and application of CICs, focusing on cellulose nanofibers (CNF), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), and bacterial nanocellulose (BNC). Nanocellulose materials offer unique advantages, including high surface area, tunable morphology, mechanical robustness, and environmental compatibility, making them ideal candidates for sensing and energy storage platforms. Ion transport mechanisms in solid and quasi-solid systems are discussed concerning electrostatic interactions, hydration effects, and polymer dynamics. Representative CIC examples are presented in sensors, fuel cells, supercapacitors, and solid-state batteries to showcase performance and versatility. Key challenges, including ionic conductivity limitations, scalability, and testing standardization, are briefly outlined to provide context for future research directions. Overall, this review establishes CICs as a promising material class for next-generation sustainable electrochemical technologies. Graphical abstract

Source: Journal of materials research/Pratt's guide to venture capital sources

DOI: 10.1557/s43578-025-01722-4

Authors: Julian Ignacio Lopez, Hegang Zhi, Songtao Yang, Jiushi Ma, Jing Tang

Institution: University of Michigan

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Cellulose Research Studies

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,490