Recent developments and future perspectives of biorenewable nanocomposites for advanced applications

Abstract

Abstract Fossil-based resources are finite; thus, materials derivable from these resources are nonsustainable. As no methods for renewing the depleting fossil reserves have been discovered, humanity must seek renewable, sustainable, and efficient alternatives to satisfy its material needs and preserve civilization. Solar energy remains the “capital income” of the global community and is pivotal to meeting the current needs of humankind by using biorenewable resources. Hence, the scientific community should ultimately shift its focus away from the well-established field of fossil-based chemistry to the less examined area of biorenewable chemistry. Although nature-based materials offer enormous opportunities as eco-friendly and renewable resources toward materials sustainability, their application ranges are beset with limitations compared to conventional materials – hence, enhancing their properties for advanced applications toward sustainable development represents a very challenging task. This review discusses the existing techniques for various synergizing approaches developed in the fields of biology, chemistry, materials science, and nanotechnology to overcome the limitations of biorenewable nanocomposites, expand their application range into previously restricted areas, and establish biorenewables as viable alternatives to conventional materials fabricated from fossil-based resources. In addition, we briefly outline various preparation methods for biobased nanocomposites as their limitations and directions for future studies.