Cellulose processing using ionic liquids: An analysis of patents and technological trends

The production of cellulose derivatives using ionic liquid (IL) as solvents and catalysts has become prominent over the last few years, since the process eliminates the use of toxic substances. This study aimed to map and understand the trends in cellulose processing using ILs by a patent analytic approach and technology life cycle modeling. The documents were searched on the Espacenet® and Orbit® platforms.The majority of innovations have come from companies based in developed countries. The data fitted to the sigmoid BiDoseResp model and the life cycle S-curve showed a market in an early stage of maturity. This mapping brings information that subsidizes decision-making regarding investments, research, and innovations aimed at IL-mediated cellulose treatment. Potential markets mostly use ILs of the imidazolium family in polymer chemistry, machinery, and biotechnology technologies. However, medical and pharmaceutical technologies and microstructure and nanostructure applications are still emerging, fostering perspectives for innovation.