Concise review on the development of anionic cellulose materials and their applications in the removal of heavy metals and dyes from water

Pollution threats and the economic loss of valuable minerals in water systems pose significant risks to health, environmental well-being, resource conservation, and sustainability. Adsorption-based techniques are advancing in water treatment and monitoring processes, integrating sustainable bioproducts such as cellulose and its derivatives into the development of adsorbent materials. Cellulose derivatives modified with anionic (electron-rich) functionalities provide versatile platforms for (1) the electrostatic adsorption of cationic pollutants (CPs) and (2) chemical interaction sites for secondary functionalization. This review succinctly explores the development of anionic cellulose (AiC) derivatives, focusing on the substitution and/or grafting of one or more negatively charged functionalities onto the cellulose platform. Additionally, it highlights tailored syntheses, mechanisms, material characterizations, and the resultant adsorption properties for CP removal from water. This review aims to serve as a comprehensive and complementary reference for future conceptualization and development of anionic cellulose-based materials for water treatment.