Functional Carbon from Nature: Biomass-Derived Carbon Materials and the Recent Progress of Their Applications

Biomass is considered as a promising source to fabricate functional carbon materials for its sustainability, low cost, and high carbon content. Biomass-derived-carbon materials (BCMs) have been a thriving research field. Novel structures, diverse synthesis methods, and versatile applications of BCMs have been reported. However, there has been no recent review of the numerous studies of different aspects of BCMs-related research. Therefore, this paper presents a comprehensive review that summarizes the progress of BCMs related research. Herein, typical types of biomass used to prepare BCMs are introduced. Variable structures of BCMs are summarized as the performance and properties of BCMs are closely related to their structures. Representative synthesis strategies, including both their merits and drawbacks are reviewed comprehensively. Moreover, the influence of synthetic conditions on the structure of as-prepared carbon products is discussed, providing important information for the rational design of the fabrication process of BCMs. Recent progress in versatile applications of BCMs based on their morphologies and physicochemical properties is reported. Finally, the remaining challenges of BCMs, are highlighted. Overall, this review provides a valuable overview of current knowledge and recent progress of BCMs, and it outlines directions for future research development of BCMs.

Automated summary

Biomass is a promising source for functional carbon materials due to its sustainability, low cost, and high carbon content. Biomass-derived carbon materials (BCMs) have attracted significant research attention, with novel structures, diverse synthesis methods, and versatile applications reported. Despite this, there has been no recent review consolidating the extensive research on BCMs. Therefore, this paper provides a comprehensive review summarizing the progress in BCMs-related research, including the types of biomass used, the structures of BCMs, synthesis strategies and conditions, versatile applications, and remaining challenges. It also outlines future directions for research on BCMs.