Nanomaterials as highly efficient photocatalysts used for bioenergy and biohydrogen production from waste toward a sustainable environment

Population growth, growing urbanization, and industrialization sectors have caused a worrisome rise in global waste generation. The sustainable production of bioenergy, including biohydrogen from different waste, is the more environmentally friendly approach that is an excellent response to global concerns such as rising energy needs, cost of fuel, and environmental pollution mitigation. Non-renewable fossil fuels emit greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change and global warming. In the future, biofuels such as bioethanol, biohydrogen, biodiesel, and bioethanol may be used to replace fossil fuels. Novel nanomaterials are a significant choice for maximizing and improving bioenergy and biofuel production rates. Nanotechnology can help build more effective catalysts for biofuel generation. Improving renewables to meet growing global energy demand is the main priority, notably in the most developed nations. Thus, it is necessary to improve bioenergy production from waste biomass using nanomaterials for various reasons, including sustainability, energy demand maintenance, and socio-economic concerns. Novel technologies' contributions to resource optimization and nanoparticle processes for energy conversion were addressed. Numerous biofuels and their artificial pathways are discussed, along with future solutions. This review describes nanomaterials as highly efficient photocatalysts used for bioenergy and biohydrogen production from waste toward a sustainable environment. Bioenergy production from waste is also discussed, along with its key parameters, benefits, and challenges. Aberrations: NPs, Nanoparticles; NMs, Nanomaterials; CNTs, Carbon nanotubes; SWCNTs, Single-walled carbon nanotubes; MWCNTs, Multi-walled carbon nanotubes; FCC, Facilitated cubic; BCC-Body centered cubic; MON, Monoclinic; LMNPs, Lignin magnetic nanoparticles; CSL, Corn steep liquor.

Automated summary

The worrisome rise in global waste generation caused by population growth, urbanization, and industrialization has led to an increased demand for sustainable bioenergy production. Nanomaterials offer a promising solution for maximizing biofuel production rates and improving energy efficiency. The development of renewable biofuels, such as bioethanol and biohydrogen, has the potential to replace non-renewable fossil fuels and mitigate environmental pollution. Therefore, utilizing nanotechnology in bioenergy production from waste biomass is crucial for achieving sustainability and meeting global energy demands.