Cellulose-derived hydrothermally carbonized materials and their emerging applications

Hydrothermally carbonized cellulose and its further modifications are intriguing materials for a wide range of potential applications. Hydrothermal carbonization is a sustainable process for converting biopolymers or other biomass sources into carbonaceous materials under mild conditions in water and at relatively low temperatures. This review presents the latest progress in modification and utilization of hydrothermally carbonized cellulose and related materials in environmental, biomedical, and energy applications. Further applications presented include evaluation of cellulose-derived carbon spheres or carbon dots as catalysts, antibacterial materials, flame retardants, and functional fillers in bioplastic composites. The wide range of applications highlights the great potential and multifunctionality of hydrothermally carbonized cellulose and its derivatives. The field is expected to further expand and increase in importance as we move toward circular bioeconomy.