Advancing frontiers in CO₂ capture: The renaissance of biomass-derived carbon materials

As the urgency to mitigate climate change intensifies, innovative solutions for CO₂ capture have become paramount. This review highlights the revolutionary impact of biomass-derived carbon materials in the field of CO₂ capture. These materials, sourced from agricultural residues, forestry waste, and other organic matter, offer a sustainable, cost-effective, and highly efficient alternative to conventional capture technologies. Key findings of this review highlight the superior CO₂ adsorption capabilities of biomass-derived carbon materials, stemming from their large surface area and tunable pore structures. The review reveals that these materials outperform traditional sorbents like zeolites, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and amines in both efficiency and environmental impact. The life cycle assessments (LCAs) discussed demonstrate significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and energy demands when using biomass-derived carbons compared to coal-based systems. For instance, biochar-derived activated carbon exhibits 35% lower cradle-to-product gate energy demand and produces less than half the greenhouse gas emissions of coal-derived activated carbon. Moreover, the review underscores the versatility of synthesis methods such as pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization, which can be precisely adjusted to improve the effectiveness of these materials. Innovations like surface modifications and heteroatom doping are further pushing the boundaries of what biomass-derived carbons can achieve in CO₂ capture applications. By exploring a wide range of case studies and industrial-scale applications, this review not only illustrates the practical benefits of these materials but also sets the stage for future advancements. These findings suggest a promising path forward for scalable, efficient, and sustainable CO₂ capture technologies, marking a significant step toward a greener and more resilient future.