Biomass Materials: Synthesis, Functionalisation, and Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Biomass materials have emerged as a focal point in contemporary materials science, offering sustainable alternatives to conventional resources. This Special Issue, entitled "Biomass Materials: Synthesis, Functionalisation, and Applications", encapsulates the growing interest in and significance of these materials in various industries and scientific communities.

Biomass materials are derived from organic sources, including agricultural residues (such as crop stalks and husks), forestry residues (like wood chips and sawdust), algae, and even specific energy crops. Unlike fossil fuels or traditional materials, biomass materials are renewable, making them an attractive choice in the context of sustainability. They offer an eco-friendly alternative that aligns with the urgent need to reduce the environmental impact of industrial processes and energy production.

The synthesis of biomass materials involves the conversion of raw biomass into usable forms. Various techniques are employed to achieve this, depending on the source and desired end product. Common methods include pyrolysis, hydrothermal liquefaction, torrefaction, and mechanical processes such as milling and extrusion. Each method is tailored to optimize the characteristics of the resulting biomass material, whether for energy generation, composite materials, or bio-based chemicals. Functionalisation is a critical aspect of enhancing the utility and versatility of biomass materials. By introducing specific functional groups or surface modifications, researchers can tailor these materials to meet diverse application requirements. Surface modification techniques include chemical grafting, plasma treatment, and nanoparticle deposition. Composite formation, which blends biomass materials with polymers, ceramics, or other materials, can enhance mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. Additionally, functional group addition, like introducing hydroxyl, carboxyl, or amino groups, improves compatibility and reactivity with other materials. The versatility of biomass materials lends itself to a wide array of applications. Notably, biomass materials can be converted into biofuels, such as bioethanol, biodiesel, and biogas, serving as sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. In addition to the energy sector, they are used in biocomposites, reinforcing materials in industries such as construction, automotive, and aerospace. Biomass-derived bio-based chemicals, including organic acids and solvents, find applications in various chemical processes. Adsorbents made from biomass materials are effective in removing pollutants and heavy metals from water and air, addressing environmental challenges. In the realm of biomedicine, biomass materials contribute to the development of drug delivery systems, tissue engineering scaffolds, and wound dressings, capitalizing on their biocompatibility and sustainability. Furthermore, they are utilized in food packaging and preservation, reducing the environmental footprint of traditional packaging materials.

At its core, this Special Issue seeks to advance research and innovation in the development of composite materials, chemicals, and products that embody sustainability principles. The objective is to create materials that are environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and economically viable, thereby promoting a more sustainable future across industries. By focusing on biomass materials, the issue addresses critical global challenges, including resource depletion, environmental degradation, and climate change.

Prof. Dr. George Z. Papageorgiou
Dr. Evangelia Tarani
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biomass is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1000 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• biomass materials 
• synthesis 
• functionalisation 
• applications 
• renewable resources 
• eco-friendly design 
• sustainability 
• composite materials 
• bio-based chemicals 
• biocomposites