Degradation of organic pollutants using lignin-derived carbon materials as a sustainable approach to environmental remediation
Soumitra Nath, Aniket Naha, Kankana Saikia, Chandan Paul Choudhury, Veluswamy Venkatramanan
Abstract
Rapid industrialization and urbanization have caused widespread discharge of organic pollutants, including dyes, pesticides, and pharma compounds into the environment, leading to environmental crisis and human health risks. This paper explores the potential of lignin-derived carbon materials (LDCMs) as sustainable solutions to degrade organic pollutants, due to their abundance, renewability, and versatile physicochemical properties. Lignin, an abundant terrestrial and renewable biomass, due to its unique physicochemical and structural properties, such as high surface area, tunable porosity, and functional groups, make it a suitable candidate for advanced adsorbents and environmental remediation. LDCMs synthesis methods, including pyrolysis, hydrothermal carbonization (HTC), chemical and physical activation techniques are discussed, stressing their ability to optimize the electrochemical and structural properties of LDCMs. The mechanisms of pollutant degradation, such as biological (microbial and plant-based), chemical (oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis, photochemical), physical (adsorption, photocatalysis), and advanced hybrid systems, are reviewed. The paper emphasizes the performance of LDCMs in removing persistent pollutants like dyes, phenolic compounds, pharmaceuticals, and heavy metals, showcasing their versatility and reusability. Despite challenges in synthesis scalability, pollutant selectivity, and material stability, advancements in functionalization, hybridization, and industrial integration are making LDCMs increasingly viable for large-scale applications. Future perspectives focus on developing multifunctional LDCMs, integrating them into hybrid treatment systems, and scaling up their production for wastewater treatment industries. The study also emphasises the significance of supportive policies and industry-driven approaches to accelerate the adoption of lignin-based solutions. LDCMs represent a promising pathway toward sustainable environmental remediation, contributing to a circular economy and a greener future.