Research progress and future prospects of cellulose-based composite gas separation membranes from a green...

Gas separation membrane technology, renowned for its low energy consumption and strong environmental compatibility, is progressively replacing traditional high‑carbon separation processes, becoming a central focus in the field of green separation. Cellulose-based membranes, characterized by their renewability, biodegradability, and low toxicity, have emerged as the preferred materials for the new generation of sustainable separation membranes. In the separation of critical gas pairs such as CO₂/N₂ and O₂/N₂, these materials exhibit an excellent balance between permeability and selectivity, combining practical utility with environmental benefits. This paper reviews recent advances in cellulose-based composite gas separation membranes, emphasizing performance optimization by systematically evaluating the permeability-selectivity trade-off in key gas separations. It explores key optimization strategies, including filled composites and chemical surface functionalization. Optimized cellulose-based composite membranes demonstrate significant improvements in both gas selectivity and permeability. Finally, this paper summarizes current challenges in the field and outlines future research directions, highlighting that the importance of cellulose-based gas separation membranes extends beyond single-material optimization. Grounded in green chemistry principles, this technology is emerging as a crucial link connecting fundamental research, industrial transformation, and national strategy through technological breakthroughs and cross-scenario applications.