Research progress on the preparation of high-value carbon materials by biomass pyrolysis

Abstract

The production of high-value carbon materials via biomass pyrolysis has gained significant attention in recent research due to its efficiency and sustainability. Unlike the resource-intensive processes for obtaining carbon materials from fossil fuels, biomass pyrolysis provides an alternative that can utilize renewable and abundant sources at lower cost. Although biomass pyrolysis often produces a broad range of products, making precise control over specific carbon materials challenging, it offers flexibility in generating various high-value materials, including activated carbon, carbon nanotubes, graphene, carbon foams, and carbon quantum dots. This review comprehensively examines the past decade's advancements in preparing these carbon materials through biomass pyrolysis. It introduces the unique properties and applications of these materials and explores how template synthesis, metal/heteroatom doping, and microwave-assisted pyrolysis can influence material characteristics. Additionally, the review addresses existing challenges and outlines future research directions aimed at optimizing biomass pyrolysis pathways and maximizing the efficiency and utility of the resulting carbon materials. Finally, the potential for biomass pyrolysis to shift production from fossil-based resources to waste biomass is highlighted, supporting sustainability and the transition to renewable resources.