Harnessing Lignocellulosic Waste‐Derived Carbon Materials for Green Electrochemical Applications

Abstract

Phytoremediation and constructed wetlands are widely employed processes for the decontamination of soils and waters. These sustainable, effective, and cost‐efficient technologies rely solely on the use of plants. However, the application of these processes results in the accumulation of lignocellulosic residues, like it occurs with natural wetlands, which present a significant challenge due to the potential entry into the food chain of the adsorbed pollutants or the risk of initiating uncontrolled fires due to the accumulation of dead biomass. Nevertheless, rather than being perceived as a drawback, this can be seen as a potential source of materials. Carbonaceous materials are gaining increasing significance in the field of electrochemistry, normally improving their features through some type of thermal treatment. In this study, different types of thermal treatments applied to lignocellulosic wastes are reviewed pointing out pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization (HTC). Additionally, four environmental and energy electrochemical applications where this type of waste has been used as precursors of electrode materials are briefly examined: energy storage (supercapacitors, Li−Na‐ion batteries), hydrogen production (H2), microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production. Recent research findings, as discussed throughout this review, suggest a promising future for the utilization of lignocellulosic waste in electrochemical applications.