Biomass Conversion and Processing Technologies of Carbon-Based Materials for Environmental and Energy Application Development

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, the conversion of renewable lignocellulosic biomass fibres and natural biopolymers into chemicals, liquid fuels and feed supplements has gained considerable attention. This is mainly due to the volatility in petroleum prices and the high energy intensity in the production of chemicals, synthetic polymers, fibres, and textiles. With appropriate conversion and extraction technologies as well as appropriate modification and characterization, lignocellulosic biomass fibres can be integrated into bio-based products. Their use in novel materials and various applications favours the future use of lignocellulosic biomass components with substantial environmental and economic benefits.

Challenges are also presented by global warming and environmental pollution, which lead to the requirement of sustainable carbon-rich precursors for carbon materials. Among those advanced materials explored, the use of biomass for carbon materials is aligned with the concept of green chemistry and has drawn a great deal of attention due to the excellent properties of these materials, such as high specific surface area and tunable porous structures. In addition, biomass-carbon-based materials are considered to be green and viable alternative photocatalysts due to their environmentally friendly and naturally abundant nature. Biomass-derived carbons have potential use in photocatalytic materials for environmental remediation, activated carbon, fuel cells, electrocatalytic water-splitting devices, supercapacitors, lithium-ion batteries, etc. for energy-storage devices. There is a great opportunity to produce renewable carbon-based materials for environmental and energy applications from biomass, but there are several challenges which need to be addressed—particularly the challenges associated with the synthesis and properties of such materials.

This Special Issue focuses on biomass conversion, especially into carbon-based materials for environmental and energy applications, and the associated challenges and opportunities.

Dr. Behzad Ahvazi
Dr. Tri-Dung Ngo
Guest Editors

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