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Recent developments and future perspectives of biorenewable nanocomposites for advanced applications

  • Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
  • University of Johannesburg

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

48 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Fossil-based resources are finite; thus, materials derivable from these resources are nonsustainable. As no methods for renewing the depleting fossil reserves have been discovered, humanity must seek renewable, sustainable, and efficient alternatives to satisfy its material needs and preserve civilization. Solar energy remains the "capital income"of the global community and is pivotal to meeting the current needs of humankind by using biorenewable resources. Hence, the scientific community should ultimately shift its focus away from the well-established field of fossil-based chemistry to the less examined area of biorenewable chemistry. Although nature-based materials offer enormous opportunities as eco-friendly and renewable resources toward materials sustainability, their application ranges are beset with limitations compared to conventional materials - hence, enhancing their properties for advanced applications toward sustainable development represents a very challenging task. This review discusses the existing techniques for various synergizing approaches developed in the fields of biology, chemistry, materials science, and nanotechnology to overcome the limitations of biorenewable nanocomposites, expand their application range into previously restricted areas, and establish biorenewables as viable alternatives to conventional materials fabricated from fossil-based resources. In addition, we briefly outline various preparation methods for biobased nanocomposites as their limitations and directions for future studies.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1696-1721
Number of pages26
JournalNanotechnology Reviews
Volume11
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2022

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
    SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth

Keywords

  • biobased chemistry
  • biobased nanocomposites
  • biorenewable resources
  • fossil-based resources
  • sustainability.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Materials Science (miscellaneous)
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Engineering (miscellaneous)
  • Process Chemistry and Technology

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