From papyrus to flexible electronic devices: The revolution of cellulose nanofibrils

Abstract

The isolation of cellulose nanofibrils as a native element from cellulose fibers, the main component of paper, has provided novel and exciting opportunities for the development of electronic devices that are flexible and more environmentally friendly. An important field of work has targeted the use of cellulose nanofibrils as the support to produce flexible electronics owing to the material's advantageous properties, including high mechanical strength (stronger than most plastics), high optical transparency, and good thermal stability. Moreover, in recent years cellulose nanofibrils have been explored as a functional component for the development of flexible electronic devices, including as a replacement for the dielectric layer in transistors, or as the electrolyte for energy storage devices. Considering the stunning properties of cellulose nanofibrils, and the increasing importance of reducing the environmental impact of existing electronic devices cellulose nanofibrils are expected to play a crucial role in the development of next-generation flexible electronics. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54167/tch.v17i4.1333