A review of advancements, properties, and challenges of carbon nanotubes in food packaging

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have emerged as promising nano-fillers for enhancing food packaging materials due to their high mechanical strength, excellent thermal conductivity, and superior barrier properties. When incorporated into films and coatings, CNTs can significantly improve the quality, safety, and shelf life of packaged products, making them valuable for advancing food packaging technology. Additionally, CNTs-based films can provide better protection against UV light, which can preserve the nutritional value of food products. Moreover, CNTs could be used as additives in packaging materials to impart antimicrobial properties, prevent the growth of harmful microbes, and extend the shelf life of perishable food products. Despite the promising advancements, challenges related to scale-up production, safety concerns, and regulatory considerations of CNTs food packaging materials must be addressed to facilitate their integration into food packaging industries. Considering all the aspects, this review provides a comprehensive summary of synthesis methods, properties, and recent advancements in the application of CNTs in food packaging.

Graphical abstract