Research Progress of the Preparation of Cellulose Ethers and Their Applications: A Short Review

Cellulose ethers (CEs), synthesized through the etherification of cellulose, have emerged as indispensable “green additives” in our modern industries, earning the moniker of industrial “monosodium glutamate” due to their unparalleled multifunctionality. Unlike traditional petroleum-based modifiers, CEs offer a unique combination of renewability, low toxicity, and tunable properties (e.g., water retention, thickening, and stimuli-responsiveness), making them pivotal for advancing sustainable construction practices. This review presents an overview of the preparation methods of various CEs and the applications of CEs especially in concrete and mortars as well as corresponding mechanisms. We systematically analyze the preparation methodologies (homogeneous vs. heterogeneous processes) and highlight the effect of molecular determinants (degree of substitution, molecular weight, functional groups) on the performances of CEs. CEs can enhance the workability and other properties of concrete and mortars primarily by acting as water-retaining and thickening agents to mitigate rapid water loss, improve hydration efficiency and cohesion. The effects of CEs on the delay of hydration and microstructure of concrete and mortars are also analyzed and highlighted. Beyond construction, we reviewed the current and emerging CE applications in biomedicine, tissue-engineering, petroleum industry and food engineering, highlighting their cross-disciplinary potential. This review provides some insights into the structure–property–application relationships of CEs and their brief historical developments, offering guidance for optimizing their utilizations especially in sustainable construction practices.