Tuning Ternary Deep Eutectic Solvent Semiconductivity and Specific Capacitance Properties via Solubilizing Bacterial Nanocellulose for Flexible Soft Material

Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) shows promise in sustainable materials science, but its insolubility limits broader applications. This study introduces a ternary deep eutectic solvent (TDES) composed of Choline Chloride, Imidazole, and Tannic acid to effectively dissolve BNC. The resulting solution exhibits enhanced bandgap energy, increasing from 4.348 to 4.528 eV (direct) and 4.156 to 4.471 eV (indirect), highlighting its potential application in a wide-bandgap semiconductor. Cyclic voltammetry revealed improved specific capacitance, indicating enhanced energy storage capacity. Its application in flexible soft material underscores its viability as a highly insulating yet sufficiently conductive material for future studies in biosensors, optoelectronics, and solar cells. By overcoming BNC's solubility challenges while enhancing TDES properties, this study advances biobased electronics and optical applications, paving the way for eco-friendly technological innovations.