Carbon nanomaterials derived from waste: Advancing sustainable agriculture for a greener future

Abstract

Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) are sparking growing interest in sustainable agricultural practices due to their multifaceted applications. CNMs improve nutrient uptake, enhance soil health, and reduce environmental pollution. CNMs, such as carbon dots, carbon nanotubes, biochar, and graphene-based derivatives, can be synthesized from agricultural wastes and residues, industrial by-products, and food waste, through hydrothermal, pyrolysis, and other green methods. A circular economy is promoted by converting waste into valuable CNMs. They have distinctive physicochemical features, such as strong adsorption capacity, exceptionally high surface area, and inherent antimicrobial potential, which make them a valuable tool for preparing slow-release fertilizers, soil-improvement products, and pest control formulations. Several challenges still need attention, including clear risk assessment and regulatory guidelines, thorough toxicity evaluation, and scalable production to ensure safe and responsible use. This study highlights the fabrication of carbon-based nanomaterials using various waste resources, their unique properties, and their potential use in agriculture, and focuses on the need for sustainable farming practices. Future research should prioritize commercially viable and cost-effective production routes, assess long-term environmental impacts, and design a standardized protocol for their application. Integration of these innovative CNMs into agricultural systems would support greener, more efficient farming approaches, enhancing global food security and protecting the environment with minimal risk to humans and the environment.