Due to the widespread use of critical and toxic materials, the research community has begun prioritising next-generation materials based on various factors, including greener availability, low impact, recyclability, biodegradability, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness.

Over the past few years, researchers have been on a quest for eco-friendly materials that can match the performance of traditional ones while reducing energy costs. In this pursuit, nature has been a rich source of inspiration. The natural micro and nanostructures found in beetles or butterflies, for instance, have evolved over millions of years, offering us a wealth of innovative possibilities.

One fascinating example of nature-based materials is cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). These crystals, when dispersed in water, can form a chiral nematic liquid crystalline phase. As the water evaporates, the chiral order is preserved, resulting in solid films with 1D photonic crystal properties and iridescent colours. The unique left-handedness of these structures allows them to interact selectively with left and right-circular polarised light (LCPL and RCPL), leading to the formation of films with intriguing electronics and photonic properties.

Besides electronics and photonic applications, cellulosic materials and other natural polymers are particularly interesting for energy storage devices. Their chemical structure differences influence, for instance, the ionic conductivity of the electrolytes and can also be used as precursors for active anode materials. This presentation will address the use of nature-based materials to prepare biopolymeric electrolytes and biopolymer matrices that act as the host polymer that might incorporate the electrolyte and various ionic dopants to increase their ionic conductivity further.