Biomass-Derived Graphene and Metal–Organic Frameworks for Sustainable Sensing Applications

Engineering Nanoscience Environmental Engineering Chemistry Materials Science Bioengineering Materials Chemistry Life Sciences
graphene nanomaterial metal–organic framework biomass sensor

With the increasing global emphasis on sustainable development and environmental protection, biomass, as a natural and abundant carbon source, has gradually become a research hotspot. Biomass includes plant leaves, grasses, rice husks, coffee grounds, agricultural waste, food production waste, and municipal waste, characterized by its renewability, biodegradability, and economic feasibility. However, how to convert these biomass resources into efficient materials, especially high-performance materials for sensing technologies, remains an important research direction. In recent years, biomass-derived graphene nanomaterials and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have gradually become significant materials in sensing applications due to their stability, renewability, and cost-effectiveness. Graphene and MOFs exhibit high surface area, excellent optical and electrical properties, biocompatibility, and stability, making them highly promising for sensing technologies. However, traditional synthesis methods often involve the use of toxic chemicals and energy-intensive processes, which have negative environmental impacts. Therefore, developing green and sustainable synthesis methods, particularly utilizing biomass resources to prepare graphene and MOFs, has become a focus of current research.

Source of the Paper

This paper was co-authored by Narendra B. Patil, Vemula Madhavi, Subash C. B. Gopinath, Santheraleka Ramanathan, Sharangouda J. Patil, and Ajay Bhalkar, affiliated with institutions such as H. R. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research in India, BVIT Hyderabad College of Engineering for Women, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, and Universiti Malaya in Malaysia. The paper was accepted on March 27, 2025, and published in the journal Bionanoscience with the DOI 10.1007/s12668-025-01918-2.

Main Content of the Paper

1. Fundamental Characteristics and Chemical Characterization of Biomass

Biomass is primarily composed of lignocellulose, including cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. These components play a crucial role in the synthesis of graphene and MOFs. The high aromaticity and cross-linked structure of lignin facilitate the formation of graphene, while cellulose and hemicellulose generate carbonaceous materials through pyrolysis, further promoting the synthesis of graphene and MOFs. The paper details the chemical composition of biomass and its role in nanomaterial preparation, particularly the unique contributions of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose in the synthesis of graphene and MOFs.

2. Properties of Graphene and MOFs

Graphene is a two-dimensional carbon material with excellent electrical, optical, and mechanical properties. The paper discusses in detail the electronic structure, carrier mobility, and quantum phenomena of graphene, particularly its potential in sensing applications. MOFs are porous materials composed of metal ions or clusters and organic ligands, featuring high surface area and tunable pore structures. The paper also explores the structural design, chemical stability, and functionalization methods of MOFs, especially how biomass-derived ligands can enhance the biocompatibility and chemical stability of MOFs.

3. Green Synthesis of Biomass-Derived Graphene and MOFs

The paper elaborates on green synthesis methods for preparing graphene and MOFs using biomass resources. Compared to traditional chemical synthesis methods, biomass-derived approaches are more environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Through processes such as pyrolysis, carbonization, and hydrothermal treatment, biomass can be converted into precursors for graphene and MOFs. The paper also compares the advantages and disadvantages of different synthesis methods, particularly the performance of biomass-derived graphene and MOFs in sensing applications.

4. Recent Advances in Sensing Applications of Graphene and MOFs

The paper summarizes recent progress in the application of biomass-derived graphene and MOFs in sensing technologies. Due to their high surface area and excellent electrical and optical properties, graphene and MOFs have been widely used in environmental monitoring, biomedical diagnostics, and industrial sensing. For example, graphene quantum dots (GQDs) can be used to detect iron and silver ions, while MOFs are employed for detecting drug molecules and environmental pollutants. The paper also discusses how doping and surface functionalization can further enhance the sensing performance of graphene and MOFs.

5. Future Perspectives

The paper looks ahead to the future development of biomass-derived graphene and MOFs in sensing technologies. Future research should focus on improving the scalability, stability, and multifunctionality of these materials, particularly for precise analysis in complex matrices. Additionally, integrating graphene and MOFs with artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies holds promise for significant breakthroughs in environmental monitoring and medical diagnostics.

Significance and Value of the Paper

This paper systematically summarizes the research progress of biomass-derived graphene and MOFs in sustainable sensing applications, providing important theoretical foundations and practical guidance for future research. Through green synthesis methods, the paper demonstrates how to convert biomass resources into high-performance sensing materials, not only reducing production costs but also minimizing environmental impacts. Furthermore, the paper proposes future directions for integrating graphene and MOFs with AI and IoT technologies, offering new insights for innovation in sustainable sensing technologies.

Research Highlights

  1. Green Synthesis Methods: The paper details green synthesis methods for preparing graphene and MOFs using biomass resources, providing new research directions for sustainable materials science.
  2. Multifunctional Sensing Applications: The paper summarizes the wide applications of graphene and MOFs in environmental monitoring, biomedical diagnostics, and industrial sensing, showcasing their advantages in high sensitivity, selectivity, and rapid response.
  3. Future Technological Integration: The paper proposes future directions for integrating graphene and MOFs with AI and IoT technologies, offering new ideas for innovation in sustainable sensing technologies.

Through this paper, readers can gain a comprehensive understanding of the research progress and future development directions of biomass-derived graphene and MOFs in sustainable sensing applications, providing valuable references for researchers and engineers in related fields.