Emerging Novel Functional Materials from Biomass for Environmental Remediation

The Earth faces complex environmental challenges caused by both human activities and natural processes, affecting all life forms and ecosystems. Biomass-derived materials, sourced from renewable resources, serve as effective adsorbents, catalysts, and ion exchangers, providing sustainable solutions to environmental issues like water and air pollution, soil contamination, and waste management. Their significance lies not only in their biodegradability and sustainability but also in standardized testing and scalability considerations. The field of functional materials from biomass has the potential to transform environmental remediation, leading to a cleaner and more sustainable world. Here, we aimed to portrait the key approaches and recent developments in emerging functional materials from biomass tailored for environmental remediation, delving into their fundamental theories and concepts, various applications, and potential to reshape the remediation landscape. It evaluates the sustainability and biodegradability aspects of these materials, addresses challenges, and peers into the dynamic and rapidly evolving future of this field. Collaborative efforts between researchers, industry, and policymakers are pivotal to establishing guidelines and regulations ensuring the safe and responsible use of these materials.