Ecoinnovations and green solutions: Multifunctional nanocellulose and nanocellulose-based composites in environmental remediation

Nanocellulose and its composites offer sustainable solutions for environmental remediation, with applications in wastewater treatment, air purification, and soil restoration. Advanced modifications, such as bioactive compound integration, enhance pollutant removal and environmental health. However, challenges in scaling up and commercializing green nanomaterials persist, including resource-intensive production, raw material variability, and the need for standardized properties. Overcoming these barriers requires interdisciplinary collaboration across material science, chemistry, environmental engineering, and industrial design to optimize production and applications. This chapter explores the multifunctionality of nanocellulose-based materials, examining their synthesis, functionalization, and key applications in environmental remediation. It also discusses how green chemistry principles, life-cycle assessment, and safer-and-sustainable-by-design approaches contribute to their ecoefficiency. Finally, the chapter highlights the crucial steps needed to bridge the gap between research and industrial applications, ensuring nanocellulose evolves from a promising material to a key player in sustainable environmental solutions.