Efficient synthesis of activated carbon (AC) from biomass for catalytic systems: A green and sustainable approach

Abstract

Tremendous efforts in developing sustainable processes for integrated production of value-added products/chemicals and fuels in biorefineries increase through delicate designs towards sustainability. This review focuses on the synthesis of activated carbon (AC) from renewable precursors and its utilisation in catalytic systems for a gentle and sustainable approach. Owing to the unique shape and porosity-controlled properties, these carbon materials could offer strong, active phase-support interactions, leading to unusual catalytic activities and selectivity in biomass upgrading. Porous carbons have been developed and used as heterogeneous solid catalysts in fine chemical and biofuels synthesis as a sustainable and economical alternative over homogeneous catalytic systems. This review revealed the AC's significance and potential as solid catalysts/supports in renewable feedstocks' valorisation. The literature showed that bio-derived activated carbon could be a promising and sustainable solid catalyst or support for producing biofuels/ value-added products with appreciable BET surface area (750 m2/g) and total pore volume (0.37 cm3/g). However, the surface area and pore volume vary with the treatment/nature of cellulose used as the precursor for AC production. Finally, the utilisation of these renewable feedstocks/waste streams presents us with the avenues to realise sustainable synthesis through green process and design for a sustainable future.