Nanocellulose‐Based Aerogels for Adsorption Applications in Environmental Remediation: State of Art, Challenges, and Future Outlook

Abstract

The escalating severity of global environmental pollution necessitates the development of sustainable and efficient adsorption materials. Nanocellulose (NC), sourced from the most abundant natural polymer on earth, has shown great potential in this field due to its renewability, biodegradability, and exceptional nanoscale properties. The assembly of NC into three‐dimensional aerogel structures is a crucial strategy to overcome challenges such as the aggregation of nanomaterials and to fully exploit their high specific surface area and rich surface chemistry. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in NC‐based aerogels for versatile adsorption applications. It begins with a detailed discussion on synthesis strategies, encompassing the fundamental sol‐gel process and drying techniques (freeze‐drying, supercritical drying, and ambient pressure drying), alongside emerging fabrication methods such as 3D printing and emulsion templating that enable precise structural control. The core of the review critically examines the application of these tunable aerogels in removing diverse pollutants, including heavy metal ions, organic dyes, oils, antibiotics, gaseous molecules, and emerging micro/nano‐plastics. For each category, the underlying adsorption mechanisms, such as electrostatic interaction, chelation, van der Waals forces, hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions, and diffusion and physical sieving, are thoroughly explored. Finally, the review offers perspectives on the current challenges and future directions, emphasizing the need for scalable manufacturing and enhanced stability in practical scenarios to bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and real‐world environmental remediation.