Multifunctional Lignin-Based Composite Materials for Emerging Applications

Lignin exhibited numerous advantages such as plentiful functional groups, good biocompatibility, low toxicity, and high carbon content, which can be transformed into composites and carbon materials. Lignin-based materials are usually environmentally friendly and low cost, and are widely used in energy storage, environment, electronic devices, and other fields. In this review article, the pretreatment separation methods like hydrothermal process are illustrated briefly, and the properties and categories of technical lignin are introduced. Then, the latest progress of lignin-based composites and lignin-derived carbon materials is summarized. Finally, the current challenges and future developments were suggested based on our knowledge. It is expected that this review paper favored the applications of composites and lignin-derived carbon materials in the future.

Automated summary

Lignin has numerous advantages and is widely used in various fields due to its plentiful functional groups, good biocompatibility, low toxicity, and high carbon content. This review introduces the properties and categories of technical lignin, summarizes the latest progress of lignin-based composites and carbon materials, and suggests current challenges and future developments. It is expected that applications of composites and lignin-derived carbon materials will be favored in the future based on this review.