Electrospinning of cellulose using ionic liquids: An overview on processing and applications

Electrospun materials are highly porous nonwoven membranes with large surface-to-volume ratio, tailored surface functionalities, and superior mechanical performance. They are ideal materials for several cutting-edge applications in energy, healthcare, biotechnology, and environmental engineering. Nevertheless, electrospinning requires using strong solvents to dissolve the polymer to form the precursor solution. Commonly, hazardous and carcinogenic substances are used, rendering an environmentally aggressive process and solvent contaminated fibers. In this regard, ionic liquids are emerging as a greener solvent option. Cellulose is one of the best alternatives to conventional polymers since it is non-toxic, biocompatible, biodegradable, and the most abundant renewable biopolymer on the planet. Thus, this review presents and discusses research efforts on electrospinning with cellulose as a feedstock polymer and ionic liquids as solvents. The applications sought include water and wastewater treatment, health care, and energy storage.