Nanocellulose architectures for programming the mobility, formability and biocompatibility of nanoscale zero-valent iron

Abstract

Nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) is widely investigated for environmental remediation but aggregation, poor transport, and unstable interfacial reactivity continue to limit its practical deployment. This perspective examines nanocellulose (NC) not simply as a stabilizer, but as an interfacial platform that can tune nZVI nucleation, dispersion, transport and redox behavior across multiple length scales. The importance of interfacial stabilization is illustrated by the reported decrease in the interaction energy barrier of nZVI from 124.2 kBT in deionized water to 31.6 kBT under groundwater conditions. We discuss how coordination chemistry, surface charge, and hierarchical confinement influence iron nucleation, particle dispersion, and surface accessibility, while emphasizing that improved stability does not necessarily translate into higher reactivity. CNC, CNF, and BNC are then considered as complementary platforms for electrosteric transport control, macroscopic formability and continuous-flow operation, and biocompatible iron–support interfaces, respectively. Finally, we discuss how groundwater chemistry, scalable processing, manufacturing cost, and life-cycle performance affect practical implementation. Together, these considerations provide a framework for designing nZVI@NC systems that balance particle stabilization, reactive surface accessibility, and application-specific requirements.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Nano zero-valent iron / Nanocellulose / Interfacial engineering / Environmental remediation

Highlight

	● Nanocellulose enables multiscale control of nZVI beyond passive stabilization.
	● CNC, CNF, and BNC support mobility, formability, and biocompatibility.
	● NC design should balance particle stabilization with Fe0 surface accessibility.

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