Transforming Indian Agro-Waste into High-Performance Green Catalysts: An AI-Driven Techno-Environmental Roadmap for...

India generates over 500 million tonnes of agricultural waste annually, much of which is lignocellulosic biomass rich in silica, calcium, potassium, and carbon elements, which are favourable for catalytic applications. This study highlights the valorisation of abundant agro-wastes such as rice husk (up to 20% silica), coconut shell (74%-78% fixed carbon), sugarcane bagasse (45%-55% cellulose), and tamarind seed (rich in polysaccharides and carbon), as cost-effective and sustainable catalysts. Various preparation techniques, such as calcination (450°C-700°C), acid/base activation (e.g. H₂SO₄, KOH), and nanoparticle impregnation (e.g. CaO, ZnO, Fe₃O₄), are explored to enhance the surface area (up to 250 m²/g) and activate functional groups. Agro-waste-derived catalysts exhibit high performance, achieving over 90% conversion in transesterification, efficient alcohol oxidation under mild conditions, and up to 98% dye degradation (e.g. methylene blue) within 60-90 min. Economic evaluations estimate production costs at $30-50 per ton, positioning them as competitive alternatives to conventional catalysts. Comparative insights from African innovations reveal opportunities for regional scalability. The study further explores Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted catalyst design, with life-cycle assessments indicating a potential reduction of up to 40% in greenhouse gas emissions, and integration prospects within decentralised biorefineries, supporting the transition to a circular, low-carbon chemical economy.