Chapter 11 - Challenges and opportunities for the graphene industry. Sustainable approaches for the circular economy

Abstract

Graphene, thanks to its characteristics (hyperdensity, high thermal and electrical conductivity, large surface area, hardness, strength, and flexibility), is leading to a profound change in the field of materials science and could be an ideal candidate for a variety of applications. However, to date, its production presents some issues: it is mostly made from graphite, methane, and ethanol, which are nonrenewable, toxic, and fossil fuel-related raw materials and could therefore cause problems in terms of resource scarcity in the future. It is also very expensive to produce (estimated to cost around $56,000m−2). For these reasons, it is essential to find alternative ways to synthesize graphene. Recently, much progress has been made toward improving graphene fabrication, with a focus on developing more efficient, effective, safe, nontoxic, and environmentally friendly approaches, in particular, from waste biomasses. They are carbon-rich sustainable raw materials, ideal for the preparation of high-value carbon materials. Thus, the research focuses on a series of production methods of graphene starting from agro-food waste biomass to avoid the drawbacks of the actual processes of graphene and, at the same time, to reduce food waste and food loss creating a loop of resources. Moreover, this alternative way can be set in the circular economy model in line with Goal 12 of the Agenda 2030.