Cellulose-based thermal management composites: An emerging material for multi-industry sustainability

Biomass resources with cellulose as the main component have been proved to be effective in reducing environmental pollution and carbon emission, but the low utilization efficiency of cellulose and the complex subsequent treatment methods still remain challenges for achieving efficient ecosystem carbon cycle. Additionally, the emerging thermal management technology in recent years is widely applied in many fields due to its characteristics of no energy input and no pollution output, providing a new regulation strategy for solving energy crisis. In response, cellulose-based thermal management materials (CTMM) have been prepared to combine the above advantages. However, there are few corresponding reviews to consider the positive effects of such promising materials on renewable and sustainable aspects. This review organically links cellulose and thermal management technology to illustrate the comprehensive potential of cellulose in temperature regulation. The main physicochemical properties, common modification methods and derivatives of cellulose are discussed. Meanwhile, with the help of the thermal radiation principle and heat transfer model, the design of thermal radiation interface with different temperature requirements is described and summarized in detail. Finally, the application of CTMM in the fields of architecture, human body and agriculture is listed. This review contributes to a deeper understanding of recent research advances in CTMM and provides valuable insights for the development of renewable, sustainable and feasible innovative temperature regulation devices.