As the most abundant natural polymer on the earth

cellulose has many attractive properties such as renew ability

biodegradability

biocompatibility

and bro ad chemical-modifying capacity. Cellulose has been considered as the sustainable raw material of energy and chemical engineering in the future. However

because of the well-developed intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonding network

cellulose is unmeltable and insoluble in water or conventional organic solvents

which limits its wide utilization. More recently

it is found that certain ionic liquids (ILs) have excellent dissolving capability for cellulose

which provids a new and versatile plat form for cellulose processing and derivatization. A series of biopolymer-based materials

biomass energy

platform chemicals

and so on

have been produced with the aid of ILs. Based on about 210 relevant papers published during the past 10 years

this review article highlights recent progress in the field of dissolution

regeneration

derivatization

extraction and conversion of cellulose with ILs. In additon

a perspective on ILs application in cellulose chemistry in the future is briefly discussed. It is hoped that this review work will stimulate research and collaborations that will lead to significant progress in this area.