1. Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs): CNTs have unique properties such as high surface area, excellent mechanical strength, and electrical conductivity. They can be used as catalyst supports, reinforcing agents, or electrodes in biomass conversion processes. CNTs can enhance the efficiency of biomass gasification, pyrolysis, and fermentation processes.
2. Nanocatalysts: Nanoscale catalysts, such as metal nanoparticles (e.g., gold, platinum, palladium), metal oxides (e.g., titanium dioxide, iron oxide), or mixed metal catalysts, can improve the efficiency of biomass conversion reactions. They can enhance the rate of reactions like hydrolysis, esterification, and hydrogenation, leading to higher yields of biofuels and valuable chemicals.
3. Nanofibers: Nanofibers, particularly cellulose nanofibers derived from biomass sources, have excellent mechanical properties and a high aspect ratio. They can be used as reinforcing agents in biocomposites, such as bioplastics, to improve their strength and thermal stability. Nanofibers can also be used as templates for the growth of nanostructured materials in biomass-based energy storage devices.
4. Nanoporous Materials: Nanoporous materials, such as zeolites and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), have high surface areas and tunable pore structures. They can be used as adsorbents for the separation and purification of biofuels and valuable chemicals. These materials can selectively adsorb target compounds from biomass-derived mixtures, leading to improved product quality and reduced environmental impact.
5. Nanobiocatalysts: Nanobiocatalysts, such as enzyme-nanoparticle hybrids or enzyme immobilized on nanomaterials, can enhance the efficiency and stability of enzymatic biomass conversion processes. These nanomaterial-based biocatalysts can improve enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation, and other bioconversion reactions.