Volume 12, Issue 3 e70005
Review

Versatile Eco-Friendly Activated Carbon–Based Green Catalysts: Energy and Environmental Applications

Mian Hamood-ur-Rehman

Mian Hamood-ur-Rehman

Department of Chemical Engineering, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, Defence Road, Off Raiwind Road, Lahore, 54000 Pakistan

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Murid Hussain

Corresponding Author

Murid Hussain

Department of Chemical Engineering, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, Defence Road, Off Raiwind Road, Lahore, 54000 Pakistan

Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Muscat University, P.O. Box 550, Muscat, 130 Oman

E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

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Parveen Akhter

Parveen Akhter

Department of Chemistry, The University of Lahore, 1-km Defence Road, Off Raiwind Road, Lahore, Pakistan

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Farrukh Jamil

Farrukh Jamil

Department of Chemical Engineering, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, Defence Road, Off Raiwind Road, Lahore, 54000 Pakistan

Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Muscat University, P.O. Box 550, Muscat, 130 Oman

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First published: 30 March 2025

Abstract

Biomass-derived activated carbon (AC) offers a sustainable solution for energy and environmental applications. Compared to coal-based AC, biomass-derived AC reduces environmental impact while maintaining high porosity and adsorption capacity. Its synthesis involves carbonization and activation, enhancing porosity and adsorption properties. Efficiency depends on particle size, surface area, pore structure, and functional groups. Smaller particles and higher surface areas enhance adsorption, whereas micropores serve as primary adsorption sites. Functional groups influence chemical interactions. Regeneration methods extend usability. AC-based catalysts improve hydrogen production and biodiesel synthesis. In wastewater treatment, iron oxide–impregnated AC enhances dye removal, whereas titania/AC composites boost photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants. AC also plays a crucial role in carbon dioxide (CO2) capture, with potassium hydroxide (KOH)-synthesized AC optimizing micropore formation. AC faces challenges in biomass supply, logistics, regeneration efficiency, and adsorption selectivity, requiring innovative activation methods and surface modifications.

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