Enhanced anaerobic digestion performance with carbon-based material additives towards sustainable energy production: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a widely utilized technology for converting biowaste into commercial products such as biogas and fertilizers. However, low biodegradability and insufficient duration of organic substances for bioconversion in the digester limit the production of biogas via AD. The use of carbon-based materials as catalytic additives is considered a feasible approach to solve this issue by enhancing direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) and promoting beneficial microbial community shifts. Despite their potential, the broad evaluation of carbon-based materials for improving bioenergy recovery via AD is lacking, particularly regarding system stability, DIET performance, and risk management. This review comprehensively covered the impact and feasibility of carbon-based materials on bioenergy recovery from microbiological, social, and economic perspectives, with particular emphasis on mechanistic insights into DIET stimulation and microbial dynamics. In conclusion, carbon-based materials offer a promising pathway for enhancing the conversion of organic waste including municipal solid waste (MSW) into valuable bioenergy, contributing to future renewable energy solutions.