Nanocellulose-based foams and aerogels: processing, properties, and applications

Abstract

Nanocellulose is a renewable and biocompatible nanomaterial with a high strength low density and tunable surface chemistry. This review summarizes the main processing routes and significant properties of nanocellulose-based foams and aerogels. Challenges, such as how to produce long-term stable wet foams or how to avoid structural collapse of the material during solvent removal using e.g. supercritical drying, are discussed. Recent advances in the use of ice templating to generate iso- or anisotropic foams with tunable mechanical and thermal properties are highlighted. We illustrate how the porous architecture and properties of nanocellulose-based foams and aerogels can be tailored for applications in e.g. thermal insulation and energy storage.