Superhydrophobic and Superoleophobic Nanostructured Cellulose and Cellulose Composites

Superhydrophobic and superoleophobic surfaces are extremely liquid repellent and attract global interest from researchers, industry, and laymen. Arguably the main appeal is their dirt-repellent features, though superhydrophobic surfaces are also antifogging and anti-icing and remain dry underwater. Cellulose is an excellent building material for superhydrophobic surfaces, as is demonstrated by plants, such as lotus and cabbage leaves. Also for technological applications, cellulose is attractive because it is a cheap, green, sustainable, and versatile nanomaterial that allows easy modifications. Here we review the recent advances in nonwetting cellulose materials, and in particular water-repellent and oil-repellent nanocelluloses, such as cellulose nanofibers and nanowhiskers.