A review on the synthesis of SiC from plant-based biomasses

► Silicon-containing plant-based biomass for the growth of SiC nanostructures. ► Processes involved during growth of nanostructures. ► Introduction of acid, alkali, enzyme or catalyst to improve quality of product. Substantial research efforts had been put in developing new ways to produce SiC and its nanostructures. SiC nanostructures showcase excellent hardness, chemical inertness, thermal and electrical properties. With this in mind, many methods have been reported in synthesizing SiC nanostructures. The use of biomass in producing SiC is one of these methods that is promising since it provides an alternative in converting these wastes into something useful and they are a cheap source of silicon and carbon for SiC formation. Thus, this paper will cover the definition of biomass, pyrolysis of biomass in terms of kinetics and processes, effect of different reaction parameters, pre-treatments available and finally SiC recovery process.