A new bio-material with 3D lightweight network for energy and advanced applications

A novel approach to modifying native cellulosic fibers by phosphorylation, glycerol grafting and further cross-linking by citric acid had been successfully investigated. The conductivity of the resulting cellulose-based material was measured to be 3 x 10(-3) S cm(-1), approximately 10(5) times as large as that in the initial fibers, while the volumetric mass density was 0.40 +/- 0.03 g cm(-3), similar with wood and wood products. These special properties and the capability to assemble these modified fibers into a paper sheet-like structure without altering the fiber morphology would boost the application of this new bio-based material, including its potential use as a conductive polymer for energy devices.