Functionalities and properties of conductive hydrogel with nanocellulose integration

In the realm of sustainable materials, nanocellulose has emerged as a particularly noteworthy contender, garnering considerable attention with exceptional mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and renewability. Within the domain of conductive hydrogels, nanocellulose distinctive characteristics position it as a preeminent reinforcing and dispersing agent, thereby markedly augmenting the overall performance of hydrogels. This article reviews the progress of nanocellulose applications in conductive hydrogels and discusses its mechanism of action as reinforcing and dispersing agents in detail, as well as the preparation methods with different conductive fillers (carbon materials, conductive polymers, metal nanoparticles and metal ions). Additionally, the extant research findings on the mechanical, self-healing, self-adhesion and freeze resistance properties of the conductive hydrogels are comprehensively introduced. In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive outlook on the ongoing issues of nanocellulose-based conductive hydrogels and their possible future directions.