This critical review describes the recent arrival of ultrathin films of cellulose. The methodology of preparation as well as the applications of the films for fundamental research is fully covered. The review places cellulose in a wider scientific context where cellulose research is no longer a field of interest for specialised scientists only. Cellulose and cellulosic materials should interest communities such as biochemists, physical chemists, surface chemists, organic chemists, polymer chemists and also physicists working close the disciplines mentioned. (149 references.)

The current work demonstrates an innovative approach to develop nanocellulose based membranes via in situ TEMPO functionalization of the thin functional layer of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC_BE) to enhance the metal ion adsorption capacity.