Application of nanomaterials in anaerobic digestion processes: A new strategy towards sustainable methane production

Anaerobic digestion is an established biomass conversion technology that is renewable, environmentally friendly, and technologically robust. However, to turn it into a more profitable and sustainable business model, stringent research into process optimization strategies is required. As a result, there is a continuous search for strategies and pathways to improve process stability as well as product quality and yield and to decrease the production of inhibitory compounds. More recently, nanoparticles have been utilized as catalysts to enhance the performance of anaerobic digestion technologies. The current paper provides a state-of-the-art review on utilizing nano-catalysts in the biomass anaerobic digestion process. The potential of several kinds of nano-catalyst has been discussed to enhance biogas production with a cost-effective approach. The results of this research suggest that while nanoparticle supplementation is a promising strategy, further research is required to address the energetic, technological, and economical utilization of nanoparticles in anaerobic digestion processes.