Multifaceted applications of cellulosic porous materials in environment, energy, and health

Macromolecular materials of natural origin, like cellulose, provide attractive alternatives to synthetic polymers for numerous applications. These advantages are related to the renewable and bio-based resources that are used to obtain cellulosic materials. Additionally, their intrinsic hydrophilicity, biodegradability, chemical similarity to soft matter in the living organisms, and the rich chemistry one can employ to modify their structure, and thus properties, provide other benefits. Due to the hydrophilicity of cellulosic materials, they possess complementary functions to petroleum-based plastics. When cellulosic materials are endowed with controlled (micro)porous structures, a range of hitherto unattainable applications become feasible due to the combined advantages of controlled porosity, high surface-to-volume ratio, and intrinsic materials properties of cellulose and its derivatives such as the high density of hydroxyl groups available for chemical modifications. (Micro)porous cellulosic materials with precisely engineered pore morphology have been employed as matrices to uptake molecular guests, catalyst support, filters in separation, carriers for delivery of therapeutic and cosmetic agents, scaffolds in regenerative medicine, and thermal insulation materials. This review provides an update of cellulosic porous materials with a focus on the selected application areas, related to the environment, energy and health.