Sustainable Fabrication of Graphene Quantum Dots Preparation From Cellulosic Carbon Waste for Application in Photoinduced Biohydrogen Production

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are a novel carbon nanomaterial from the graphene class, known for their unique physicochemical properties and diverse range of applications. However, toward the sustainable application of GQDs, their synthesis methods remain the main roadblock due to high production costs and the release of toxic byproducts. For this reason, developing sustainable and economical fabrication methods for GQDs remains one of the most pressing and promising areas of research. In this context, lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) waste is a prime choice for the fabrication of GQDs due to the presence of high carbon and cellulose content as precursor and reducing agents. Additionally, LCBs are a prime source of potential bioenergy production, which is a key research hotspot nowadays to avoid environmental pollution, global warming, and energy crises. Therefore, the present review provides feasibility for sustainable and environmentally friendly fabrication of GQDs using LCB waste for cellulosic biofuels production technology improvement. Furthermore, the prospective of using these GQDs as catalysts in biomass-based bioenergy production for the development of low-cost biomass for biofuel production technology has been discussed along with the existing limitations and their sustainable recommendation.