Anionic cellulose-templated composites for hybrid adsorptive water treatment applications: Advances and perspectives

Cellulose-based composites functionalized with anionic groups are emerging as highly versatile materials for adsorption-driven water purification. Their negatively charged surfaces not only enhance affinity for cationic pollutants but also provide robust platforms for integrating catalytic, magnetic, and antimicrobial agents. This multifunctionality enables hybrid systems capable of simultaneous adsorption, photocatalysis, magnetic separation, and microbial control, offering sustainable solutions to complex water contamination challenges. Recent advances in the design of anionic cellulose composites (AiCC) highlight tailored strategies that impart structural stability, porosity, and synergistic performance. By consolidating insights into synthesis pathways, hybrid mechanisms, and performance metrics that include functionality and reusability, this review offers perspectives to guide future research and provides a cohesive framework for advancing AiCC technologies, positioning them as a frontier in sustainable environmental remediation.