Work

Lignin as a Sustainable Building Block for Electrochemical Energy Devices: A Critical Review

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Lignin, the most abundant aromatic biopolymer on Earth, has gained significant attention as a sustainable precursor for materials used in advanced energy storage technologies. Its intrinsic chemical complexity, featuring phenolic, methoxy, and quinone-like functionalities, enables multiple valorization pathways, including the production of carbon materials, redox-active polymers, polymer electrolytes, and functional binders. Recent advances in lignin extraction, fractionation, targeted chemical modification, and controlled carbonization have significantly broadened the functional scope and electrochemical performance of lignin-based components across a wide range of systems, including batteries, supercapacitors, and hybrid devices. This review consolidates recent progress in the development of lignin-derived materials for electrochemical energy storage, emphasizing structure–function relationships and the influence of lignin source and processing route on final material properties. Finally, we outline emerging prospects for integrating lignin-based materials into next-generation sustainable energy storage systems and present a roadmap for accelerating future scientific and industrial development.

Source: Polymers

DOI: 10.3390/polym18212669

Authors: Pablo Reyes-Contreras, María Graciela Aguayo, Rosario del P. Castillo, Regis Teixeira Mendonça

Institutions: University of Concepción, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, University of Bío-Bío

Language: English

Topic: Lignin and Wood Chemistry

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258