A review of biomass-derived graphene and graphene-like carbons for electrochemical energy storage and conversion

Graphene and graphene-like carbons (G-carbons) have many excellent properties, such as a high specific surface area, and good electrical and thermal conductivities. Recent advances in the synthesis of large amounts of G-carbons from biomass are discussed, including the types of biomass materials used as the precursors and the various synthesis routes. The latter include high-temperature graphitization, growth on substrates, template-assisted synthesis, template-free catalysis, a g-C3N4-derived approach, plasma-assisted synthesis, and laser-induced synthesis. The uses of G-carbons in electrochemical energy storage and conversion, and sensing are also discussed.