Recent advances in sustainable cellulose-based supercapacitors: Diverse applications, crucial challenges, and coping strategies

The rapid increase in global demand for energy storage devices has exacerbated environmental pollution, making the development of green, renewable materials imperative. Cellulose-based materials, with their ideal renewable and degradable properties, show notable potential and play a critical role in the sustainable development of energy storage devices, particularly supercapacitors (SCs). This review analyzes recent research progress and development trends related to cellulose and its derivatives in the field of SCs. First, the structural features, application advantages, and main preparation processes of cellulose are elaborated upon in detail. Subsequently, the current application status of cellulose-based materials in different components of SCs, including electrodes, binders, separators, quasi-solid electrolytes, and substrate materials, is systematically summarized in terms of their preparation techniques and raw material types, and the important role of cellulose in the future eco-friendly development of SCs is discussed in depth. Finally, the development trends of cellulose-based SCs and the obstacles they face are summarily discussed. This review aims to provide meaningful insights and references to support the sustainable development of SCs.