The key applications and technical value of nanocellulose in the field of graphene

With the rapid development of graphene in the fields of conductive materials, composite materials, energy devices and functional coatings, problems such as poor dispersion stability, easy agglomeration, and insufficient processability have gradually emerged in its practical applications. Nanocellulose ( Nanocellulose ), as a natural nanomaterial with wide sources, controllable structure and excellent performance, is becoming an important functional additive and structural material to solve the application bottleneck of graphene.

1. Structure and performance advantages of nanocellulose

Nanocellulose usually includes cellulose nanofibers ( CNF ) and cellulose nanocrystals ( CNC ), with diameters ranging from a few nanometers to tens of nanometers and lengths up to micron level. They have the following significant characteristics:

Ultra-high specific surface area and aspect ratio

Excellent mechanical enhancement capabilities

Good dispersion in water phase

Functional groups such as carboxyl and hydroxyl groups can be introduced through surface modification

Renewable, biodegradable, green and environmentally friendly

These properties enable nanocellulose to not only serve as a dispersion medium in graphene systems, but also participate in building multi-scale composite network structures.

2. The mechanism of nanocellulose in graphene dispersion and stabilization

There is a strong between graphene sheets , which makes agglomeration and sedimentation easily occur. π–π stacking effect Nanocellulose can significantly improve graphene dispersion through the following mechanisms:

The three-dimensional network structure formed by the steric hindrance effect
of nanocellulose can physically prevent the graphene sheets from restacking.

Hydrogen Bonding and Electrostatic Interaction
Nanocellulose with a surface rich in hydroxyl or carboxyl groups can form stable interactions with graphene oxide ( GO ) surface functional groups.

Constructing a stable suspension system
In aqueous systems, nanocellulose can significantly improve the viscoelasticity of graphene dispersions, inhibit sedimentation, and improve storage stability.

Therefore, nanocellulose has been widely used in graphene aqueous dispersions, slurries, conductive inks and other systems.

3. Application Direction of Nanocellulose/Graphene Composite Materials

1. Conductive composite materials and flexible electronics

Nanocellulose can be used as a flexible matrix to build a conductive network with graphene. While maintaining good conductive properties, it can significantly improve the flexibility and mechanical strength of the material. It is suitable for:

Flexible sensor

wearable electronics

Flexible conductive film

2. Functional coatings and conductive coatings

In water-based coating systems, nanocellulose can not only serve as a dispersion stabilizer for graphene, but also improve the coating’s:

Rheological properties

Film formation uniformity

Adhesion and wear resistance

Widely used in anti-static coatings, electromagnetic shielding coatings and functional industrial coatings。

3. Energy and energy storage materials

In fields such as supercapacitors and battery electrodes, nanocellulose / graphene composite structures can build porous conductive skeletons to achieve:

Improve electron and ion transmission efficiency

Improve electrode structure stability

Reduce material processing costs

4. Nanocellulose promotes the greening and large-scale application of graphene

Compared with traditional polymer dispersants, nanocellulose has the advantages of sustainability, non-toxicity and environmental friendliness , which is in line with the current trend of the materials industry developing towards green and low-carbon direction. By controlling the particle size, surface charge and rheological properties of nanocellulose, the performance of the graphene system can be precisely designed to provide reliable solutions for its large-scale and industrial applications.

V. Conclusion

The synergistic application of nanocellulose and graphene is promoting the development of high-performance composite materials in a more stable, environmentally friendly, and controllable direction. As the preparation process and interface control technology continue to mature, nanocellulose will release greater application potential in graphene conductive materials, functional coatings, energy devices and other fields, becoming a key supporting material in a new generation of advanced material systems.