Mapping global and continental research trends in mixed-mode solar dryers: A bibliometric perspective

As sustainable substitutes for traditional fossil fuel-based agricultural product drying techniques, solar drying technologies have drawn more attention in recent times. A vast and intricate body of knowledge has been produced by the quick expansion of scientific publications in this field, which calls for methodical assessment. In order to map the continental and global research landscape of mixed-mode solar dryer technologies, this study provides a thorough bibliometric analysis. To find publication trends, influential journals, collaboration networks, thematic clusters, and new research directions, 214 peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2015 and 2026 were taken from the Scopus database & Web of Science and analysed using Bibliometrix (R-tool) and VOSviewer. The findings show that research output has increased significantly over the past ten years, with Asia, especially India, emerging as the top contributor to solar drying research. The analysis also shows how basic experimental studies are giving way to interdisciplinary research that incorporates digital modelling techniques, sustainability assessment, and thermodynamics. There are still challenges with scalability, cost optimisation, and climate adaptability despite significant technological advancements. To increase system reliability, future research should concentrate on the development of sustainable and economic thermal storage materials, smart control techniques, and hybrid renewable systems. According to the research, community-scale solar drying facilities can greatly lower post-harvest losses, enhance rural livelihoods, and promote sustainable agricultural processing in line with international clean-energy and climate goals in high solar-irradiance regions such as South Asia, Africa, and Latin America.