Functionalization and synthesis of biomass and its composites as renewable, lightweight and eco-efficient microwave-absorbing materials: A review

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds 2023-12, Vol.968, p.171991, Article 171991
• Main Authors: Naqvi, Sayed Tathir Abbas, Singh, Charanjeet, Godara, Sachin Kumar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomass; Biomass-derived composites; Hydrothermal carbonization; Microwave absorber; Pyrolysis; Reflection loss
• ISSN: 0925-8388; 1873-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2023.171991

Electromagnetic pollution is posing a threat to human health and the operation of electronic/electrical devices. It refers to the unwanted electromagnetic waves/signals radiated from electronic devices/equipment. Microwave absorbers/absorbing materials have been developed to mitigate the problems associated with this kind of pollution. Recently biomass-based materials have attracted researchers for absorber applications attributing to their salient features like low cost, lightweight, renewable, eco-friendly, and ease of availability. The application of biomass as a microwave absorber not only solves the radiation problem but also renders an eco-friendly environment. The biomass is carbonized to produce porous carbon to be used as a microwave absorber. The microwave absorption of biomass-based materials depends on their composition, microstructure, and pore size. Besides carbonization, the activation method also has a great influence on the characteristics of biomass. This article presents a comprehensive review of the research progress in renewable biomass-tuned microwave absorbers accompanied by different types of biomass-based materials, synthesis techniques, and composites using metals, oxides, sulfides, carbon nanotubes, polymers, etc. The performance metrics and mechanisms associated with microwave absorption have also been put thereof. •Synthesis and characteristics of Biomass.•Comparative analysis of different synthesis techniques to develop biomass-derived materials.•Performance analysis of biomass-based composites for microwave absorber application.•Mechanism associated with microwave absorption.