An overview of the conventional synthesis of biomass-derived nanocomposites and applications to systems for energy and the environment

Abstract

Biomass-derived nanocomposites are very tiny carbonated solid materials synthesized by fusing metallic compounds with different types of plant-based materials, either in their raw forms or after processing into other substances such as biochar. This chapter aims to succinctly describe the principles often applied in the literature for the synthesis of biomass-derived nanocomposites. Furthermore, the most common applications of biomass-derived nanocomposites in the areas of sustainability of energy and the environment are summarized. The roles of bio-nanocomposites in the advancement of energy storage systems, supercapacitors, and hydrogen production through fuel cells are in focus for sustainable energy applications. For the environmental sustainability potential, emphasis is placed on the applications of the bio-based nanocomposites for environmental remediation and carbon-capture purposes by mitigating CO2 emission through CO2 sorption and sequestration.