Sustainable carbon-rich materials from algae and biomass: Synthesis, characterisation, and applications

Abstract

The high demand for sustainable, high-performance materials has spotlighted carbon-rich materials derived from algae and other biomass sources. Algae-derived carbon compounds, including graphene and its derivatives, show promising applications across sectors like energy, environmental remediation, and catalysis. This review comprehensively discusses the synthesis, characterisation, and applications of these novel biomaterials, covering hydrothermal treatment, microwave irradiation, and pyrolysis- each offering unique benefits in structure, functionality, and yield. A detailed examination of key characterisation techniques, including Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), provides insights into these materials’ chemical and structural properties. Applications in supercapacitors, batteries, and other energy storage devices, as well as in environmental and catalytic contexts, are thoroughly explored. This review also highlights recent advancements in carbon biomaterial integration into cutting-edge technologies, focusing on scalability, sustainability, and novel applications that may drive future innovation. By presenting a holistic view of carbon biomaterials from algae and other biomass sources, this review aims to support the vast potential of sustainable carbon materials for next-generation manufacturing applications.