Development of Cellulose and Nanocellulose

Dear Colleagues,

Plant cellulose is the most abundant biopolymer on Earth and remains at the center of global research efforts due to its remarkable versatility and limitless potential for advanced material development. While micrometric cellulose fibers dominate today’s commercial landscape, intense scientific and technological efforts are increasingly directed toward their transformation into nano- and micro-cellulose (CF), and even into highly crystalline cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) through the removal of amorphous domains. These nano/micro celluloses offer distinct advantages—enhanced mechanical performance, improved barrier properties, and unique functional possibilities—opening new avenues for the design of next-generation materials, from fully cellulosic films and papers to high-performance composite systems. Nevertheless, challenges remain, particularly regarding the high energy demand and costs associated with current production processes.

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to the Special Issue “Development of Cellulose and Nanocellulose”, which aims to bring together innovative research advances in the extraction, processing, characterization, and application of plant-derived cellulose at the micro- and nanoscale. Cellulose-based materials—ranging from traditional fibers to cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), micro/nano-cellulose (CF), and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs)—are attracting increasing global interest due to their sustainability, biocompatibility, and exceptional mechanical and functional properties. However, challenges such as energy-intensive processing and high production costs still limit their broader industrial implementation. This Special Issue seeks to highlight innovative solutions to these challenges while showcasing new opportunities for cellulose in advanced materials design.

We welcome the submission of original research articles, reviews, short communications, and perspectives addressing, but not limited to, the following topics:

• Novel methods for obtaining nano and micro plant cellulose.
• Advances in processing 100% cellulose-based materials (papers, films, composites).
• Functionalization strategies and the use of additives.
• Applications of cellulose fibers or nanocrystals as reinforcement.
• Sustainability, life-cycle analysis, and cost-reduction approaches related to cellulose processing.

This Special Issue aims to serve as a platform for researchers to share insights, inspire new collaborations, and accelerate progress in the field of cellulose and nanocellulose materials.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Veronica Mucci
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.