A review on cellulose-based flame-retardant materials published and featured by Biomacromolecules

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Our review article, “Cellulose-based flame-retardant materials: mechanisms, evaluation, and design strategies”, has been published and cover-featured in Biomacromolecules. This review presents a systematic overview of recent advances in flame-retardant cellulose-based materials, organized around combustion fundamentals, fire-performance evaluation, and material design strategies. By integrating current knowledge across these areas, the review establishes a comprehensive framework for the rational design of sustainable, halogen-free flame-retardant cellulose materials. Biomacromolecules, 2026, 27 (8), 5001–5016. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.biomac.6c00936

Critical review featured on green chemistry cover

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Our critical review, “Molten Salt Hydrates: Innovative and Versatile Solvent Systems for Lignocellulosic Biomass Processing and Valorization,” was published in Green Chemistry and selected as the journal’s cover feature. The review comprehensively examines recent progress in applying molten salt hydrates to lignocellulosic biomass processing and valorization, highlighting major advances made by our group alongside contributions from researchers worldwide. It provides critical insights into the versatility, advantages, and future potential of these innovative solvent systems for sustainable biorefinery applications. Green Chemistry, 2026, 28, 11975–12011. https://doi.org/10.1039/d6gc01266c

🌱 Sustainability Milestone Achieved!

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We are proud to share that our Pan Lab of Bioenergy and Bioproducts at UW–Madison has earned Platinum-Level Certification from the My Green Lab program. This certification reflects our team’s commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of research labs while advancing innovation in bioenergy and bioproducts. Sustainability is not only part of what we study—it’s how we operate. A big thank-you to all lab members for making this achievement possible. 👏

Our Work Featured on the Cover of AFM

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We are excited to share that our recent research article has been published in Advanced Functional Materials and selected as a cover feature of the journal. Kun Liu, Haishun Du, Ting Xu, Chuanling Si, and Xuejun Pan. Hierarchical cellulose/MXene aerogel films with coral-like polyaniline skin for absorption-led broadband EMI shielding. Advanced Functional Materials, 2026, 36 (31), e74562. 
 https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.74562

Prebiotic research featured by Advances in Engineering

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Our probiotic‑related research has been highlighted by Advances in Engineering. The featured work, published in Bioresource Technology (2025, 429, 132486), is titled “Synthesis of potential prebiotic oligosaccharides with diverse glycosidic linkages from corn stover via simultaneous hydrolysis and glycosylation.” This study demonstrates a one‑pot process that efficiently converts agricultural residues—specifically corn stover—into high‑value prebiotic oligosaccharides.

Lignocellulosic Films Review Published

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Our review “Lignocellulosic Films: Preparation, Properties, and Applications” has been published in Chemical Reviews (2025, 125, 11666–11814). This is a tremendous team effort, and I truly appreciate the collaboration and contributions of all coauthors. We hope this 149-page comprehensive review will serve as a valuable reference for researchers and peers interested in this rapidly developing field. Open access: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.chemrev.5c00267