Self-assembly on natural cellulose: Towards high-efficient catalysts

Nanoarchitectures based on the layer-by-layer self-assembly technique hold great potential for the availability and applicability of bio-inspired functional materials. The introduction of various specific functional building blocks onto the nanofibers of natural cellulose substances (e.g., commercial filter paper, cotton, etc.) through the self-assembly approach provides a facile strategy for the fabrication of artificial nanomaterials. This review summarizes a series of cellulose-based catalytic materials fabricated by utilizing the natural cellulose substance as the structural scaffolds or templates through the LbL self-assembly process. The unique three-dimensional network porous structures and high surface areas of the cellulose substances were maintained by the resultant cellulose-derived catalysts, while the excellent mechanical strength of the cellulose-based membrane catalysts was inherited from the initial cellulose substrates. When employed for the photodegradation of organic dyes, the photocatalytic hydrogen production from water splitting, and the antibiosis, these cellulose-based catalysts exhibited high activities and excellent cycling stabilities.