Green and sustainable cellulose-derived humidity sensors: A review

Carbohydr Polym. 2021 Oct 15:270:118385. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.118385. Epub 2021 Jun 29.

Abstract

Cellulose, as the most abundant natural polysaccharide, is an excellent material for developing green humidity sensors, especially due to its humidity responsiveness as a result of its rich hydrophilic groups. In combination with other components including carbon materials and polymers, cellulose and its derivatives can be used to design high-performance humidity sensors that meet various application requirements. This review summarizes the recent advances in the field of various cellulose-derived humidity sensors, with particular attention paid to different sensing mechanisms including resistance, capacitance, colorimetry and gravity, and so on. Furthermore, the roles of cellulose and its derivatives are highlighted. This work may promote the development of cellulose-derived humidity sensors, as well as other cellulose-based intelligent materials.

Keywords: Cellulose; Humidity sensor; Sensing mechanism.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carbon / chemistry
  • Cellulose / chemistry*
  • Colorimetry / methods
  • Equipment Design / methods*
  • Humans
  • Humidity*
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Nanostructures / chemistry
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Temperature
  • Water / chemistry

Substances

  • Polymers
  • Water
  • Carbon
  • Cellulose