Advanced development of smart stimulus-responsive cellulose-based composites through polymer science and nanoscale engineering: Preparation approaches and applications

With the advancement of intelligent materials and technology, cellulose offers notable advantages, such as high mechanical strength, good degradability, and high sensor sensitivity, making it one of the most promising stimulus-responsive materials. Stimulus-responsive cellulose-based composites have garnered significant attention due to their unique benefits in environmental adaptability, functionality, and sustainability. The aim of this review is to highlight the preparation methods, stimulus-responsive types, and promising applications of cellulose-based composites. We reviewed the preparation methods of stimulus-responsive cellulose-based composites including cellulose/MXene composites, cellulose/GO composites, cellulose/carbon nanotube composites, cellulose/inorganic nano-functional composites. Moreover, we also discussed the stimulus-responsive types (such as light stimulation, electrical stimulation, humidity stimulation, magnetic stimulation, dual/multiple stimulation) and potential applications (such as wearable devices, smart fabric, energy field, biomedical field). This review aims to provide a comprehensive review of the current research status of stimulus-responsive cellulose-based composites, with the intention of offering valuable insights and references for researchers in related fields.