Abstract
Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have received significant attention owing to their exceptional porosity, large surface area, and controllable pore chemistry; yet, a practical use is sometimes restricted by their brittle and powder‐like state with poor processing capability. Cellulose and its nanostructured derivatives (NCC or NFC) are of prime interest as a sustainable material, widely available in the environment with low toxicity, to replace these methods. The obtained MOF–cellulose nanocomposites (MCNCs) make the best of both cellulose and the embedded MOFs on their mechanical strength, flexibility, and unique hierarchical structure, as well as the strong functional potential of the original MOFs. This review aims to give an overall introduction to MCNCs by introducing the key synthetic approaches, through means such as in situ growth, solvent‐aided coassembly, and surface modification/seeding. This describes the cellulose morphology that varies from 3D aerogels and hydrogels to 2D films and foils or 1D fibers. Additionally, this review critically assesses the sophisticated characterization methods, such as X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and porosity measurements (BET analysis), that are crucial for confirming the interfacial interactions, structural integrity, and hybrid properties of MCNCs. With an emphasis on sustainable solutions, the second section of the review focuses on the rapidly growing advanced applications of MCNCs. Heterogeneous catalysis, efficient environmental remediation (adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of pollutants), high‐performance gas separation and storage (e.g., CO
2
capture), and next‐generation energy storage devices (supercapacitors and battery components) are some of the main application areas covered. We conclude by providing an overview of the present obstacles and future research paths required to advance MCNC technology from proof‐of‐concept studies conducted in laboratories to large‐scale, commercially feasible industrial and biomedical applications.