Lignin-derived 0–3 dimensional carbon materials: Synthesis, configurations and applications

Different dimensional (0D–3D) carbon materials with tailorable compositions and nanostructures have attracted widespread attention and are promising for a wide range of applications in energy storage, adsorption, and catalysis. Lignin, as a typical renewable, low-cost, highly aromatic, and high carbon content bio-component, presents compelling potential in the preparation of multifunctional carbon materials. Currently, numerous lignin-derived carbon materials in different dimensions have been developed successfully. Moreover, by structural design and surface modification, lignin-derived carbon materials with desirable properties can be obtained. This work presents a comprehensive overview on the preparation techniques employed for lignin-derived carbon materials as well as the configurations and applications of the obtained lignin-derived carbon materials. First, advances in cutting-edge research on the preparation of lignin-derived carbon materials (pyrolysis-activation and template methods) are summarized. When lignin is used as a carbon precursor, carbon materials with different dimensions such as 0D, 1D, 2D, or 3D with complex compositions (e.g., heteroatom doping or metal loading) can be prepared. Additionally, the applications of lignin-derived carbon materials for energy storage, adsorption and catalysis are reviewed. Finally, prospects and potential challenges in designing and developing lignin-derived carbon materials are discussed in depth.