Recent advances in cellulose supported metal nanoparticles as green and sustainable catalysis for organic synthesis

Organic reactions generally involve a variety of catalysts and solvents, which may be inflammable, toxic, and/or corrosive. Consequently, most of these reactions highly influence the environment. However, recent science and technology applications shift towards eco-friendly and sustainable resources and processes. Nanocatalysis has recently become an emerging field of science owing to its high reactivity, productivity, and selectivity. Cellulose supported metal nanoparticles (NPs) have been broadly applied in catalysis toward the development of green and sustainable chemical transformation processes. Those catalysts can be easily recycled several times without losing their reactivity. Metal nanoparticles have recently attracted more attention as a result of their distinctive characteristics in comparison to their equivalent bulk metals. Those characteristics include a large surface-to-volume ratio, high porosity, and tunable structural morphology. Controlling the characteristics of nanoparticles particularly with respect to their structural morphology, particle size and dispersibility are essential because those will identify their catalytic activity. Recent developments in controlling dispersibility, particle size, and morphological shape of metal nanoparticles paved the way to optimize the nanoparticle geometry for improved catalytic activity. This review focuses on the fabrication and application of cellulose supported metal nanoparticles as promising catalysts for green modern organic synthesis and aims to present cellulose supported metal nanoparticles as a green, sustainable and renewable alternative to conventional catalysts for future industrial applications. The major groups of noble and transition metal nanoparticles are highlighted.