Comprehensive Analysis of Miscanthus Research: Sustainable Biomass and Bioenergy Through Knowledge Mapping

Abstract

Miscanthus grass species have gained global research attention in the fields of biomass and bioenergy, witnessing remarkable advancements in the 21st century. This study systematically searched and selected relevant literature on primary research involving Miscanthus species, published between 2007 and 2023, from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Web of Science core databases. Utilizing CiteSpace as a bibliometric tool, the study generated quantitative statistics and performed data analysis on the selected articles. The examination covered publication trends, national and author publication outputs, author and journal co-citations, keyword research hotspots, and the temporal evolution of research topics in the Miscanthus research field, offering empirical support for future in-depth investigations and innovation in Miscanthus spp. The research findings reveal the following insights: (1) Publication trends can be divided into two phases (stable growth and fluctuating decline), with recent trends maintaining a relatively high level. (2) A collaborative publication network, led by core authors such as Zili Yi, John Clifton-Brown, and Iris Lewandowski, has been established, characterized by a diverse research focus and close cooperation. (3) Research hotspots encompass several aspects, including biomass production yield, efficiency, and energy products of Miscanthus spp., ecological restoration, genetics, plant physiological research, and chemical components. The primary species investigated are Miscanthus×giganteus, Miscanthus sinensis, Miscanthus floridulus, and Miscanthus lutarioriparius.