Biomass-derived activated carbon monoliths: A review of production routes, performance, and commercialization potential

Activated carbon monoliths produced from biomass feedstocks have emerged as a promising option for sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. This review paper provides an extensive overview of the recent advances, challenges, and opportunities associated with the production, properties, applications, and commercialization potential of biomass-based activated carbon monoliths. The review covers the various production routes for these monoliths and how process variables affect their yield, textural, morphological, elemental, mechanical, and electrical properties. The basic steps used in their production include pre-treatment, activation, carbonization, pelletization, or moulding. Notably, carbonization and activation were consistently employed, regardless of the synthesis route explored. The highest reported yield (45.1%) was obtained for a coconut shell-based monolith. Biomass-based activated carbon monoliths have demonstrated diverse applications as adsorbents, catalysts or catalyst supports, energy storage materials, electrode materials in supercapacitors, and gas storage. The review also explores the technical and economic challenges that impact their commercialization, such as feedstock availability and variability, process optimization, quality control, and market competition. Finally, the paper provides insights into future prospects and research directions, including interdisciplinary collaborations, advancements in computational modeling and data-driven approaches, and the potential of biomass-based activated carbon monoliths to contribute to sustainable and green technologies. This study aims to serve as a valuable resource for researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers interested in biomass-based activated carbon monoliths and their potential as sustainable and innovative materials.