Carbon Nanomaterials from Biomass for Solar Energy Conversion and Storage

Abstract

Biomass is a carbon source that is cheap, easy to get, widely available, good for the environment, and renewable. It is a byproduct of agriculture, industry, and forestry, so it is important to figure out how to get rid of it responsibly. Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs), particularly carbon nanotubes and graphene, are in demand due to their outstanding properties and wide applications. This chapter reviews the recent progress in preparing CNMs from biomass. Supercapacitors, batteries, and thin-film solar cells are the most effective energy conversion and storage devices for practical use. However, the poor electrode performance of these devices prevents further development. Most of the carbon used in these devices comes from nonrenewable resources that are made in harsh conditions. Biomass is a green natural carbon source with many desirable properties. This chapter also covers renewable carbon materials derived from biomasses, focusing on their applications in electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices.