Cellulose-based separation membranes: A sustainable evolution or fleeting trend?

Cellulose-based separation membranes are promising for sustainable membrane technology due to their renewable raw materials and biodegradability. Their excellent resistance to fouling, minimal protein adsorption, and high biocompatibility render them effective in bio-separation applications. Nevertheless, the development of truly sustainable cellulose membranes for engineering purposes remains challenging. This review begins by outlining the raw cellulosic materials employed in membrane fabrication, followed by a systematic summary of the fabrication techniques for cellulose-based membranes derived from various raw materials, alongside their progress in bio-separation. The sustainability of cellulose-based separation membranes is assessed within a life cycle framework that considers raw materials, membrane fabrication, application scenarios and end-of life, with particular emphasis on key barriers to achieving engineering sustainability. Finally, this review proposes targeted optimization strategies to tackle these limitations, offering a clear roadmap for future research aimed at transforming cellulose-based membranes from promising laboratory innovations into robust, scalable engineering solutions.