Nanocellulose and rare earth elements: a literature review

This article provides a comprehensive review of innovative applications of nanocellulose combined with rare earth elements (REEs). The review includes various fields, from materials science to electronics, catalysis, sensors, substance adsorption, and medicine. Overall, 72 studies were found in dates ranging from 2013 to 2024, mostly combining REEs with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) or nanofibrils (CNFs), while only a few bacterial cellulose nanocrystals (BCNCs) or bacterial cellulose nanofibrils (BCNFs) studies were encountered. Lanthanum, cerium, europium, terbium and dysprosium were the most common occurrences in these combinations. Research has shown that properties from nanocellulose, such as high specific surface area and aspect ratio, can be exploited with the addition of REEs in low quantities. The luminescence of lanthanide ions, such as Eu³⁺, Dy³⁺ and Tb³⁺ stood out, offering innovative applications in security, such as counterfeit prevention in banknotes, labels and inks. The structural and UV resistance properties from REEs containing compounds can also be highlighted, especially being found in composites of nanocellulose and oxides. The use of these materials in medicine, adsorption and sensing of substances and in electronics was also discussed. No combinations of nanocellulose with scandium, praseodymium, promethium, holmium or thulium were found, indicating potential for novel materials. The significant increase in publications on this topic suggests a growing scientific interest, indicating vast potential for future interdisciplinary research and developments in these areas.