Recent Advances in Valorization of Biomass and Plastic Waste for Hydrogen Production: A Review

The growing demand for alternative energy sources has intensified interest in hydrogen as a potential contributor to the transition toward a low-carbon economy. Hydrogen production from biomass and plastic waste offers opportunities to valorize waste streams, reduce waste accumulation, and recover energy and valuable products. Although the conversion of biomass and plastic waste to hydrogen separately or in combination has gained attention, important knowledge gaps remain regarding the performance, process integration, and practical feasibility of these approaches. This review examines the latest advanced technologies for hydrogen production from biomass and plastic waste, focusing on thermochemical, biological, and photocatalytic routes. It offers a thorough evaluation of different techniques, considering their efficiency and feasibility, while also emphasizing economic potential and environmental impacts. By identifying the main technological challenges, limitations in current research, and opportunities for process optimization, this review highlights priorities for future investigations, including improved catalyst performance, better integration of conversion processes, and systematic techno-economic and life-cycle assessments. Overall, it provides a focused overview of current developments and future prospects for hydrogen production through the valorization of biomass and plastic waste.