STRATEGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE SYNTHESIS PROCESSES OF NANOCARBONS FROM BIOMASS

A. L. CUKIERMAN; P. BONELLI

Bio-Based Nanomaterials Synthesis Protocols, Mechanisms and Applications

Elsevier

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2021; p. 21 - 51

Since their discovery, carbon nanostructures have been subject ofintense research worldwide due to their exceptional properties. In particular,carbon nanotubes, graphene and associated derivatives, as well as graphenequantum dots, the latest addition to the nanocarbon materials family, that areat the cutting edge of nanotechnology development, have received great attraction for their potentialities of innovation in almost all fields of knowledge.Despite significant efforts, techno-economic challenges related to sustainable large scale synthesis processes for their production still need to be faced inorder to accomplish massive applications. In this direction, synthesis of theabovementioned carbon nanostructures using biomass as a precursor is currently considered an advanced topic in the scientific and industrial communities.Biomass, namely any organic matter available on a renewable or recurring basis,is an environmental friendly resource. It has been extensively explored forbioenergy generation and also as precursor for preparation of conventionalcarbon materials, such as activated carbons. Biomass transformation into carbon advanced materials may additionally contribute to promote the circular economy by wastes valorization. Within thisscenario, the present chapter provides an overview of recent research studies and progresses targeted at sustainable, scalable production of carbonnano structures from biomass. Feedstocks investigated include agricultural andagro-industrial wastes, forest and woody residues, energy crops, as well as cellulose and lignin, two major constituents of lignocellulosic biomass, and some other biopolymers.Synthesis routes involve different processes combinations, mainly comprising pyrolysisor hydrothermal/solvothermal treatment, employing either conventional heating ormicrowave assistance, activation of the biochars or hydrochars with chemical reagents, graphitization, liquid exfoliation. The influence of the characteristics of the precursor, the synthesis strategy and main processes variables on the properties of the different kinds of carbon nanostructures is examined.