Nanomaterials and biomass valorization for hydrogen production

Abstract

Among the current efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change, numerous studies have been undertaken on hydrogen as an alternative energy source. Various conversion strategies to create H2 from biomass have already been studied. This chapter aims to clarify the many pathways described in the literature implemented at laboratory or industrial scale for hydrogen production. First, the different types and origins of biomass used to produce H2 are discussed. Then, the established biological and thermochemical processes for H2 production through biomass conversion are detailed. Finally, both the enhancement of these reactions through the utilization of heterogeneous catalysis and the role of nanomaterials within these processes are specified. Therefore this chapter answers two important questions: What are the different ways to transform biomass into hydrogen? How are nanomaterials involved in the mentioned processes?