Recent advances in cellulose nanofiber (CNF) extraction methods

Recent advances in cellulose nanofiber (CNF) extraction methods

Recent advances in cellulose nanofiber (CNF) extraction methods reflect growing efforts to balance environmental sustainability and industrial feasibility. This review explores conventional chemical and mechanical methods, highlighting their limitations in scalability, energy efficiency, and environmental impact. It then examines emerging eco-friendly approaches, including hydrothermal-enzymatic treatments, microwave-assisted deep eutectic solvent (DES) pre-treatments, and supercritical CO₂ extraction, which minimize chemical usage and reduce energy demands. Additionally, enzyme-assisted mechanical grinding demonstrates significant potential for industrial applications due to its energy efficiency and high-quality output. Despite these innovations, challenges such as scalability, cost, and life cycle sustainability remain. Addressing these issues is essential for the widespread adoption of eco-friendly CNF extraction methods in various industries.