Activated carbon from biomass waste precursors: Factors affecting production and adsorption mechanism. (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gayathiri, Muniandy; Pulingam, Thiruchelvi; Lee, K.T.; Sudesh, Kumar
• Is Part Of: Chemosphere. Volume 294(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: Activated carbon -- Biomass waste -- Activation method -- Carbonization -- Adsorption mechanism; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Atmospheric chemistry -- Periodicals; 551.511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133764
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-6535

Abstract

Abstract: The use of activated carbon is evidenced by the increased scope of carbon-based applications in various industrial applications including pharmaceutical antidotes, wastewater remediation, aquaculture and toxin removal. Activated carbon produced from biomass waste by various processing methods and conditions is emerging as a promising adsorbent for remediation of the ecosystem due to extensive discharge of pollutants. Methods of producing activated carbon, nature of lignocellulosic biomass waste, and interaction of adsorbent-adsorbate are some of the crucial factors that need to be scrutinized to produce an effective adsorbent. However, these factors have not been thoroughly discussed in the literature. Activated carbon needs to go through continuous and rigorous research and development through optimization of key parameters such as type of activation (physical/chemical) and processing conditions, especially for large-scale production. It is imperative to have a detailed understanding of the preeminent characteristics of the activated carbon such as pore size distribution, total pore volume, surface area, and yield of activated carbon that control the extents of adsorptions and production of activated carbon. To further clarify the involved mechanism, studies should focus on all the possible variables that influence the system. Therefore, this review provides a better understanding of factors that affect the production of an efficient activated carbon, important properties to be used as an adsorbent, and the involved mechanisms during the adsorption process followed by increasing demand for activated carbon in various fields. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Method of activation affects the surface area of the activated carbon. Chemical composition varies for different biomass wastes. Characteristics of activated carbon influence the adsorption capacity. Adsorption mechanism depends on various application of activated carbon. Activated carbon has high future demand for its adsorption capability.