Nanocellulose-Based Sustainable Composites for Advanced Flexible Functional Devices: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities

Abstract

Nanocellulose, a biodegradable and renewable nanomaterial derived from biomass, has emerged as a promising sustainable building block for flexible functional devices due to its renewability, low density, excellent mechanical strength, tunable surface chemistry, and outstanding film-forming capability. This paper provides a critical review of the evaluations and synthesis of recent progress in the manufacturing, functionalization, and incorporation of nanocellulose and its composite materials for electronic devices and electrical systems applications. The paper also highlights the contributions of nanocellulose to performance, durability, and environmental sustainability, along with its potential uses in flexible electrical equipment, energy storage devices, sensors, and conductive components. Furthermore, the review examines the combined effects of nanocellulose with metallic nanoparticles, carbon-based materials, and polymers in developing superior electrically conductive composites. In addition, the article highlights research gaps and suggests future directions for advancing sustainable, high-performance conductive materials. Finally, the paper critically analyzes key challenges such as reliability, interface compatibility, and long-term stability, and proposes strategies to address these limitations.