Insights into the role of nanotechnology on the performance of biofuel cells and the production of viable biofuels: A review

• A comprehensive account of biofuel cells is presented. • The role of nanomaterials in biofuel cells is comprehensively emphasized. • The enhanced production of biofuels using nanotechnology is elucidated. • Numerous applications of biofuel cells are comprehensively discussed. Biofuel cells (BFCs) are devices that use the metabolic reactions in microorganisms during the decomposition of organic pollutants to convert chemical energy from organic materials to electrical energy. Owing to their non-polluting characteristics and price-effectiveness in contrast to fossil fuels, biofuels are rapidly gaining attraction as substitute resources of renewable energy. Although BFCs have numerous applications including waste management, biomaterials, and portable purposes, encouraging their use is difficult due to the limited lifetime and reduced power density. The majority of BFCs created to date are only capable of meeting the energy requirements of biomedical short-term implanted devices. To accelerate their development, however, the attention is shifting to the deployment of technology that will enhance their productivity. Nanotechnological approaches appear to be the most promising in this context. Nanotechnologies are one of the most intriguing scientific and technological revolutions in recent history, with applications in biofuels and bioenergy. Nanoparticles are gaining popularity among scientists due to their unique qualities, which allow them to be used in a variety of industries including agriculture, electronic devices, medicines, and food processing. The use of nanoscale materials in the production of BFCs has been extensively researched and reported as a viable technique for enhancing their performance. In this review, insights about BFCs, classification, and beneficial applications of biofuel cells are explored. The purpose of this work is to highlight recent advances in the development of various nanomaterials, such as metallic nanomaterials, magnetic nanomaterials, carbon nanoparticles, etc. for enhancing the efficiency of biofuel cells as well as biofuel production such as biodiesel, biohydrogen, biogas, and bioethanol synthesis, intending to enhance process yields. Furthermore, based on the current knowledge of numerous influencing factors on the efficacy of nanoparticles, current prospects and research needs in biofuel industrial operations are also identified and discussed.