Biomass-derived Carbon Research Articles

Porous g-C3N4 tubes in-situ anchored by waste biomass-derived carbon dots for photocatalytic reduction of sunset yellow and Escherichia coli in juice

Chemical hazardous substances and hazardous pathogenic bacteria pose a serious risk to human health. The development of efficient, safe and simple removal technologies is urgent. In this study, waste biomass derived carbon dots in-situ anchored porous g-C3N4 tubes were prepared by supramolecular self-assembly method. The prepared photocatalyst exhibited enhanced light absorption, large surface area, and abundant reactive sites. Photoelectrochemical analyses confirmed that the introduction of CDs could effectively promote the separation and transfer of photogenerated carriers with enhanced degradation of sunset yellow (95.4 %) and inactivation of Escherichia coli (98.3 %) under visible light. Furthermore, the development of g-C3N4 loaded floatable porous alginate sponges for the simultaneous removal of E. coli and sunset yellow from fruit juices, obtaining efficient purification results and satisfactory overall acceptability. This work provides a feasible pathway for photocatalytic decontamination of contaminated liquid food.

A review of nanocomposites/hybrids made from biomass-derived carbons for electrochemical capacitors

A review of nanocomposites/hybrids made from biomass-derived carbons for electrochemical capacitors

In-situ formation of La2O2CO3 uniformly immobilized on biomass-derived carbon aerogel for enhanced phosphate removal

In-situ formation of La2O2CO3 uniformly immobilized on biomass-derived carbon aerogel for enhanced phosphate removal

Advances in the study of the biological activity of polysaccharide-based carbon dots: A review.

Carbon dots have attracted worldwide interest due to their customizable nature, luminescent properties, and exceptional biocompatibility. In particular, biomass-derived carbon dots have attracted attention for their environmentally friendly and cost-effective synthesis. Recent research looks into how polysaccharides can be used to make carbon dots. Using them as starting materials for nanomaterials has benefits in terms of structure, morphology, and doping elements. Although research has extensively examined the optical properties of carbon dots, their potential biological applications have not been thoroughly investigated. This review mainly summarises the cytotoxicity and biological functions of polysaccharide-based carbon dots (e.g. agar, alginate, cellulose, carrageenan, chitosan, chitosan, starch, gelatin, etc.), such as antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-tumor functions, highlighting the different scenarios of the methods of preparation of carbon dots. The applications of carbon dots in food, biomedical sciences, soil fertilization, and power generation are highlighted by reviewing the low toxicity of carbon dots with safety and biocompatibility in human contact. Finally, the importance and challenges of polysaccharide-based carbon dots and the prospects and research directions of polysaccharide-based carbon dots are explained by comparing them with other nanomaterials.

Self-doped Na-carbon materials derived from a lyocell fiber for a high-performance trimethylamine gas sensor at room temperature

In this study, biomass-derived carbon material obtained from Lyocell fibers was first utilized as a gas sensor. The impacts of varying pyrolytic carbonization temperatures and pregrinding treatments on the structure, surface morphology, elemental composition, and gas sensitivity of the samples were thoroughly examined. The CL-500 sensor can realize rapid detection of trimethylamine with a high response (12.79k%, 500 ppm) and high selectivity at room temperature; the response/recovery times are 10 s and 2 s, respectively, and the theoretical detection limit is 3.96 ppm. Moreover, after four months, the response of the CL-500 sensor to trimethylamine fluctuated by less than 9.7 % compared with that of the fresh sensor, indicating good stability. It also shows good recovery after seven consecutive response-recovery cycles. Additionally, the CL-500 sensor has promising applications in real-life fish freshness monitoring. Theoretical calculations indicate that the introduction of trace amounts of Na enhances the sensing performance of this sensor for target gases. This study serves as a guide for developing cost-effective, high-performance gas sensors, promoting the efficient and high-value utilization of biomass waste.

Realizing interfacial coupled electron/ion transport through reducing the interfacial oxygen density of carbon skeletons for high-performance lithium metal anodes

Lithium plating/stripping occurs at the anode/electrolyte interface which involves the flow of electrons from the current collector and the migration of lithium ions from the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI). The dual continuous rapid transport of interfacial electron/ion is required for homogeneous Li deposition. Herein, we propose a strategy to improve the Li metal anode performance by rationally regulating the interfacial electron density and Li ion transport through the SEI film. This key technique involves decreasing the interfacial oxygen density of biomass-derived carbon host by regulating the arrangement of the celluloses precursor fibrils. The higher specific surface area and lower interfacial oxygen density decrease the local current density and ensure the formation of thin and even SEI film, which stabilized Li+ transfer through the Li/electrolyte interface. Moreover, the improved graphitization and the interconnected conducting network enhance the surface electronegativity of carbon and enable uninterruptible electron conduction. The result is continuous and rapid coupled interfacial electron/ion transport at the anode/electrolyte reaction interface, which facilitates uniform Li deposition and improves Li anode performance. The Li/C anode shows a high initial Coulombic efficiency of 98% and a long-term lifespan of over 150 cycles at a practical low N/P (negative-to-positive) ratio of 1.44 in full cells.

Natural Kapok Fiber-derived Two-Dimensional Carbonized Sheets as Sustainable Electrode Material

Natural biomass-derived carbon nanostructures have attracted research interest because of their unique surface and electrochemical properties. The present study embodied the carbonized micro-nano sheets derived from the low-cost natural source Kapok silk fiber. The material was obtained via a facile thermal pyrolysis process. Diffraction analysis showed a broad graphene structure-like peak, indicating the formation of graphene-like carbon nanosheets. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) images confirmed the presence of fragmented carbon sheets, some of which were folded to form a tube-like structure. Raman study showed the presence of D and G band with the Id/Ig ratio of 0.96 which indicated the formation of few-layered carbon nanosheets. Furthermore, the electrochemical performance was evaluated for lithium-ion battery as well as supercapacitor. A specific capacity of 465 mAh.g-1 at 0.1 C rate for Li-ion battery and a specific capacitance of 473.61 F.g-1 for supercapacitor have been obtained with the capacitance retention of 95%. This study provides insights into a strategy for the sustainable production and utilization of natural fiber-based carbon in energy storage systems.

Pomegranate Peel-Derived Hard Carbons as Anode Materials for Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Exploring high-performance carbon anodes that are low-cost and easily accessible is the key to the commercialization of sodium-ion batteries. Producing carbon materials from bio by-products is an intriguing strategy for sodium-ion battery anode manufacture and for high-value utilization of biomass. Herein, a novel hard carbon (PPHC) was prepared via a facile pyrolysis process followed by acid treatment using biowaste pomegranate peel as the precursor. The morphology and structure of the PPHC were influenced by the carbonization temperature, as evidenced by physicochemical characterization. The PPHC pyrolyzed at 1100 °C showed expanded interlayer spacing and appropriate oxygen group content. When used as a sodium ion battery anode, the PPHC-1100 demonstrated a reversible capacity of up to 330 mAh g-1, maintaining 174 mAh g-1 at an increased current rate of 1 C. After 200 cycles at 0.5 C, the capacity delivered by PPHC-1100 was 175 mAh g-1. The electrochemical behavior of PPHC electrodes was investigated, revealing that the PPHC-1100 possessed increased capacitive-controlled energy storage and improved ion transport properties, which explained its excellent electrochemical performance. This work underscores the feasibility of high-performance sodium-ion battery anodes derived from biowaste and provides insights into the sodium storage process in biomass-derived hard carbon.

Structural design of hierarchical porous biomass carbon with a built-in electric field for efficient peroxymonosulfate activation

Biomass-derived carbon materials have excellent adsorption capacity and cost-effectiveness, and the electron interactions between multiphase composite materials improve the efficiency of water pollutant removal by advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Herein, a multistage biochar catalyst in which metallic cobalt-embedded carbon tubes are prepared uniformly on the surface of kapok tubes is designed and fabricated. The closely connected structure grown in situ accelerates electron migration and forms a directional transfer electric field. The N-doped carbon nanotube encapsulated Co nanoparticles growth on the kapok biochar/PMS (Co-N-KBC/PMS) system removes tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) at a rate 11.8 times higher than that of KBC/PMS. Free radicals (SO4•−, •OH, and •O2–) and non-free radicals (1O2) are generated in conjunction with electron transfer during PMS activation. The cobalt sites and C=O groups are possible active sites. Density-functional theory (DFT) calculations verify the built-in electric field from N-KBC to the Co surface, which accelerates electron transfer and improves TCH removal. The results reveal an effective strategy to activate PMS and address environmental remediation by utilizing carbon materials derived from biomass.

Deconstruction Engineering of Lignocellulose Toward High-Plateau-Capacity Hard Carbon Anodes for Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Biomass-derived hard carbon is a promising anode material for commercial sodium-ion batteries due to its low cost, high capacity, and stable cycling performance. However, the intrinsic tight lignocellulosic structure in biomass hinders the formation of sufficient closed pores, limiting the specific capacity of obtained hard carbons. In this contribution, a mild, industrially mature pretreatment method is utilized to selectively regulate biomass components. The hard carbon with a rich closed pore structure is prepared by optimizing the appropriate ratio of biomass composition. Optimized etching conditions enhanced the closed pore volume of hard carbon from 0.15 to 0.26 cm3 g-1. Consequently, the engineered hard carbon exhibited excellent electrochemical performance, including a high reversible capacity of 346 mAh g-1 with a high plateau capacity of 254 mAh g⁻¹ at 50 mA g⁻¹, robust rate capability, and cycling stability. The optimized hard carbon shows an 88 mAh g⁻¹ increase in plateau capacity compared to hard carbon from directly carbonizing bamboo fibers. This mature approach provides an easy-to-operate industrial pathway for designing high-capacity biomass-based hard carbons for sodium-ion batteries.

Mucus-inspired biomass-derived carbon dots-based solvent-free nanofluid with polyelectrolytes networks toward excellent green lubrication

Mechanical friction and wear account for 23 % of global energy, highlighting a need for eco-friendly lubricants. Drawing inspiration from marine organisms' adsorption proteins, we have developed carbon dots-based solvent-free nanofluid. Incorporating hydrophilic polyelectrolytes, the nanofluid forms three-dimensional adsorption-lubrication networks, leveraging carbon dots' strong chelating affinity, synergistically enhancing lubrication. Using the UMT-3 TriboLab and a 3D optical profilometer, we assessed the tribological performance of nanofluid and remarkably reduced the friction coefficient by 47.3 % and wear rate by 90.8 % compared to PEG 200 (Polyethylene Glycol with an average molecular weight of 200). Additionally, the infrared camera detected that nanofluid as water additives, significantly reduce wear and heat generation, decreasing temperature rise by 4.7 times. This biomimetic approach paves the way for green, oil-free, and high-performance water-based lubrication technologies.

Synthesis of rice husk derived porous carbon as low-cost and high-performance electrode material for supercapacitors

Porous carbon electrode materials derived from agricultural by-products of food processing have attracted widespread interest. Rice husk (RH) is a promising raw material owing to its abundance and low price. In this study, a supercapacitor electrode was prepared by using recycled RH and secondarily activated with ZnCl2 to enhance its electrochemical energy storage performance. RH carbonized at the optimum temperature (i.e., 800 °C) was activated to synthesize RH-800-X (X = 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, representing the mass ratio of ZnCl2 to RH-800). Sample RH-800-3 exhibited the highest specific surface area (1348.29 m2 g−1) and mesoporous pore volume (0.8375 cm3 g−1) among the samples. In a three-electrode system, the prepared electrodes delivered a high specific capacitance (242 F g−1 at 0.3 A g−1 in 6 M KOH solution). Furthermore, the capacitance retention of RH-800-3 remained at 99.9 % after 17,000 charge/discharge cycles. The results demonstrate the excellent capacitive behavior and superior electrochemical performance of RH-800-3. In addition, symmetrical capacitors prepared using RH-800-3 have an energy density of up to 101 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 900 W kg−1. Therefore, this study presents a simple and effective method for preparing a high-performance electrode material from biomass-derived porous carbon (i.e., recycled RH) and offers a new perspective for the efficient utilization of waste biomass resources.

The induced formation and regulation of closed-pore structure for biomass hard carbon as anode in sodium-ion batteries

Biomass hard carbon is regarded as an advanced anode materials for sodium ion batteries (SIBs) since it possesses balanced performance including satisfactory specific capacity, suitable operating voltage window and low cost. Although numerous instances of utilizing biomass-derived hard carbon in SIBs have been observed, the unregulated pore structure of these hard carbon materials significantly constrains the electrochemical performance of SIBs, leading to diminished initial Columbic efficiency (ICE) and plateau capacity. Herein, taking a biomass hard carbon derived from waste camellia seed shells (CSSHCs) as a template, we display a correlation between synthesis conditions and pore structure of CSSHCs. CSSHCs are synthesized via a facile route including pre‑carbonization, purifying, mechanical ball-milling and high-temperature carbonization, and it is found that adjusting the secondary calcination temperature can induce the formation of closed pore structure, which is of great benefit to increase the ICE and the plateau-capacity. Besides, it is also proved that the obtained CSSHCs anodes obey a sodium storage mechanism that can be classified as “adsorption-intercalation-pore filling”, which endows SIBs with a competitive electrochemical performance. Specifically, the obtained biomass hard carbons at 1300 °C exhibits the best electrochemical performance among these anodes with the reversible capacity of as high as 270.0 mAh g−1 and a high ICE of 80.1 %, together with an excellent cycle stability (91.0 % capacity retention after 200 cycles at 0.1C, 1C = 300 mA g−1). Therefore, this study provides a significant exploration and raw material support for the further utilization of the waste biomass and sustainable development of the anode materials for the large-scale application of SIBs.

Green fabrication of biomass-derived carbon dots and bio-based coatings: Potential of enhancing postharvest quality on Chinese flowering cabbage

The objective of this study was to develop a bio-nanocomposite coating (CQSC) by combining chitosan quaternary ammonium salt (CQAS) and sericin (SC) with biomass-derived carbon dots (CDs) to extend the shelf life of Chinese flowering cabbage (CFC). The effects of different concentrations of CDs (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 mg/mL) on the physicochemical, structural, and functional activity of nanocomposite particles were evaluated. CQAS exhibited strong inhibitory effects against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Moreover, the application of CQSC on CFC significantly reduced mass losses, slowed the increase in lignin content, maintained ascorbic acid and chlorophyll levels, inhibited the growth of microorganisms, and preserved the unique texture and aroma of CFC during storage at 10 °C compared with uncoated CFC. The results will contribute to the further development of CDs coatings to improve the postharvest preservation effect of fruits and vegetables.

Sugarcane bagasse derived carbon aerogels as anode materials for sodium-ion batteries

Biomass-derived carbons have been regarded as promising anode materials for sodium-ion batteries due to their tunable physicochemical properties, economic value, and environmental considerations. Nowadays, most of biomass-derived carbon materials are directly prepared through a one-step carbonization process, which may damage the inherent structure of biomass materials. In this work, hydrothermal and freeze-drying pretreatment before carbonization was employed to prepare sugarcane bagasse derived carbon aerogels, which can preserve the unique structure of the biomass material. When utilized as anode materials for sodium-ion batteries, the optimized carbon aerogel delivered an initial discharge capacity as high as 380 mAh g−1 at a current density of 50 mA g−1. After 50 cycles, the reversible specific capacity was still maintained at 248 mAh g−1.

Tuning the Electronic Structures of Mo-Based Sulfides/Selenides with Biomass-Derived Carbon for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction and Sodium-Ion Batteries

A key research focus at present is the exploration and innovation of electrode materials suitable for energy storage and conversion. Molybdenum-based sulfides/selenides (primarily MoS2 and MoSe2) have garnered attention in recent years due to their intrinsic two-dimensional structures, which are conducive to ion/electron transfer or insertion/extraction, making them promising candidates in electrocatalytic hydrogen production and sodium-ion battery applications. However, their inherently poor electronic structures have led most research efforts to concentrate on modifications aimed at enhancing their performance in hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs) and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Owing to their remarkable chemical inertness, expansive specific surface areas, and tunable pore architectures, carbon-based materials have garnered significant attention in research. The utilization of biomass as a renewable and environmentally sustainable precursor offers considerable benefits, including abundant availability, ecological compatibility, and cost-effectiveness. Consequently, recent scholarly endeavors have concentrated intensively on the synthesis of valuable carbon materials derived from renewable biomass sources. This review addresses the scientific challenges related to the development of electrode materials for HERs and SIBs in electrochemical energy storage and conversion. It delves into the recent focus on the two-dimensional transition-metal chalcogenides, particularly MoS2 and MoSe2, and the difficulties encountered in modulating their electronic structures when applied to HERs and SIBs. The review proposes the use of eco-friendly and widely sourced biomass-derived carbon (BMC) as a supporting matrix combined with MoS2 and MoSe2 to regulate their structures and enhance their electrocatalytic activity and sodium storage performance. Additionally, it highlights the existing challenges faced by these BMC/MoS2 and BMC/MoSe2 composites and offers insights into future developments.

Ultraselective carbon hollow fiber membrane for H2 extraction from blended natural gas

Blending hydrogen into natural gas (H2NG) pipelines is a feasible solution for low-cost hydrogen delivery while purifying H2 at end-use remains challenging due to its high pressure and low H2 concentration. Herein, biomass-derived carbon hollow fiber membranes (CHFMs) with ultrahigh H2/CH4 separation factor of 4149.0 under a simulated H2NG (10 mol% H2/90 mol% CH4) at 30 bar were reported, and the separation performance maintained within 150 h in a dynamic durability test. Furthermore, the CHFMs showed good stability under fluctuating temperature feeds (up to 100 °C). To evaluate the feasibility of the CHFMs for H2 extraction from H2NG, a three-stage membrane system was designed based on the mixed gas separation performances. It suggested that 99.99 mol% H2 can be achieved with a 90 % recovery, and the specific H2 purification cost was 0.245 $/Nm3 for a 1.8 × 105 Nm3/h production scale, which provides the possibility of hydrogen extraction from H2NG pipelines.

Facile synthesis of graphitized carbon nanosheets from Chlorella with multiple Fe active sites to modify separator for efficient Li-S batteries

Li-S battery as an alternative to next-generation battery systems suffers from electrical insulating properties of sulfur, “shuttle effects” and slow kinetics of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). Separator modification via catalysts with multiple scales of active sites are great potential; however, the preparation of such a kind of catalysts is still complex and tedious. Here, we developed a facile pyrolysis strategy to fabricate multiple Fe active sites on N-doped porous graphitized carbon nanosheets (Fe-NG) from Chlorella, including atomically dispersed Fe single atoms, Fe nanoclusters and carbon-coated Fe nanoparticles, which enhanced the affinity to LiPSs and accelerated their conversion kinetics. As Fe-NG was utilized to modify the separators, the resulting Li-S battery demonstrated an initial discharge capacity of 1062.1 mAh g−1 at 1 C and maintained at 678 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles with the average capacity decay rate of 0.072 % per cycle. This work provides a rational design and large-scale preparation routes for separator modifying catalysts with heterogeneous active species on biomass-derived carbons.

Recent Trends and Advancements in Green Synthesis of Biomass-Derived Carbon Dots

The push for sustainability in nanomaterials has catalyzed significant advancements in the green synthesis of carbon dots (CDs) from renewable resources. This review uniquely explores recent innovations, including the integration of hybrid techniques, such as micro-wave-assisted and ultrasonic-assisted hydrothermal methods, as well as photocatalytic synthesis. These combined approaches represent a breakthrough, offering rapid production, precise control over CD properties, and enhanced environmental sustainability. In addition, the review emphasizes the growing use of green solvents and bio-based reducing agents, which further reduce the environmental footprint of CD production. This work also addresses key challenges, such as consistently controlling CD properties—size, shape, and surface characteristics—across different synthesis processes. Advanced characterization techniques and process optimizations are highlighted as essential strategies to overcome these hurdles. Furthermore, this review pioneers the integration of circular economy principles into CD production, proposing novel strategies for sustainable material use and waste reduction. By exploring innovative precursor materials, refining doping and surface engineering techniques, and advocating for comprehensive life cycle assessments, this work sets a new direction for future research. The insights provided here represent a significant contribution to the field, paving the way for more sustainable, efficient, and scalable CD production with diverse applications in optoelectronics, sensing, and environmental remediation.

Phase change material composites based on 3D lignin-derived porous carbon prepared by in-situ activation for efficient solar-driven energy conversion and storage

Utilization of three-dimensional biomass-derived porous carbons can effectively address issues of easy leakage, low thermal conductivity, and weak photothermal conversion of phase change materials (PCMs). This enables the production of high-performance composites for solar-induced energy collection, conversion, and storage. In this study, hierarchical lignin-derived porous carbon (HLPC), microporous lignin-derived porous carbon (MILPC) and mesoporous lignin-derived porous carbon (MELPC) were prepared through high-temperature in-situ activation using lignosulphonate (LS) as a carbon precursor and CaCO3, KOH and ZnCO3 as activators. Carbon-based PCM composites with high performance were obtained by encapsulating paraffin wax (PW) in porous carbon supports. Results demonstrated that PW/HLPC exhibited comprehensive performance superior to other tested PW composites owing to its higher specific surface area (2,358 m2/g), larger pore volume (1.1 cm3/g) and well-interconnected framework structure. Additionally, PW/HLPC displayed relatively high latent heat (123.4 kJ/kg), photothermal conversion and storage efficiency (95 %), and photoelectric conversion performance (174.5 mV). Moreover, PW/HLPC also showed better leak-proof properties at 90 °C. The cycling stability and photothermal conversion performance of PW/HLPC were superior to those of the selected crude biochar-based PW composites. This study highlights the advantages of the prepared PW/HLPC for both the high-value utilization of lignin and its practical applications in solar-induced energy harvest, conversion, and storage.