Lignin-Based Composite Materials for Photocatalysis and Photovoltaics

Abstract

Depleting conventional fuel reserves has prompted the demand for the exploration of renewable resources. Biomass is a widely available renewable resource that can be valorized to produce fuels, chemicals, and materials. Among all the fractions of biomass, lignin has been underutilized. Due to its complex structure, recalcitrant nature, and heterogeneity, its valorization is relatively challenging. This review focuses on the utilization of lignin for the preparation of composite materials and their application in the field of photocatalysis and photovoltaics. Lignin can be used as a photocatalyst support for its potential application in photodegradation of contaminants. The interaction between the components in hybrid photocatalysts plays a significant role in determining the photocatalytic performance. The application of lignin as a photocatalyst support tends to control the size of the particles and allows uniform distribution of the particles that influence the characteristics of the photocatalyst. Lignin as a semiconductive polymer dopant for photoanodes in photovoltaic cells can improve the photoconversion efficiency of the cell. Recent success in the development of lignosulfonates dopant for hole transport materials in photovoltaics will pave the way for further research in lignin-based high-performance organic electronic devices.

Titania/chitosan–lignin nanocomposite as an efficient photocatalyst for the selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol under UV and visible light

“…1b, 75T/CL nanocomposites, 75T/Norit nanocomposites and pristine titania exhibited Type IV isotherm with H3 hysteresis which is a characteristic of mesoporous materials. The BET specic surface area observed for 75T/CL nanocomposites was in the range of 162-174 m 2 g À1 (Table 2, entries [8][9][10][11][12], that is comparable to the specic surface area of SGH-TiO 2 (177 m 2 g À1 ). Whereas, 75T/Norit nanocomposite showed little higher specic surface area (269 m 2 g À1 ) compared to 75T/CL nanocomposites and SGH-TiO 2 , which may ascribe to the higher specic surface area of Norit (Table 2, entry 6).…”

Lignin–Inorganic Interfaces: Chemistry and Applications from Adsorbents to Catalysts and Energy Storage Materials

“…[130][131][132] Khan et al reviewed recently these carbon-based composites for photovoltaic and photocatalytic applications. [133] However, there are only a few reports focusing on photochemical applications of composites consisting of pristine lignin. This is mainly due to the unstable nature of lignin in contact with a medium, such as water, that can generate reactive radicals on light absorption by the dispersed semiconductor material.…”

“…Khan et al. reviewed recently these carbon‐based composites for photovoltaic and photocatalytic applications . However, there are only a few reports focusing on photochemical applications of composites consisting of pristine lignin.…”

High value‐added monomer chemicals and functional bio‐based materials derived from polymeric components of lignocellulose by organosolv fractionation

“…Water‐based lignin coatings can be prepared by coating organosolv lignin onto cardboard or corrugated sheets surface . As a semiconductive polymer, dopant lignin was used as a photocatalyst support to photo‐degrade contaminants . It can also be used to protect against solar UV light .…”