A review on the technologies for converting biomass into carbon-based materials: sustainability and economy

Biomass materials are renewable sources because natural plants and living things are abundant across the planet. Carbon materials exhibit various structures and excellent properties and have been considered as the main materials in several applications. This review analyzes the technologies employed and approaches taken to convert biomass into valuable materials, such as biomass-activated carbon (BAC). Several technologies and approaches can be employed to convert biomass into valuable materials, including pyrolysis, gasification, hydrothermal carbonization, combustion, and calcination. After these processes, the activation step is required for preparing activated carbon after these processes. This paper also discusses the effect of some factors on the strength and completeness of the conversion. Such factors include the biomass composition, shape, size, and particle structures; pre-treatment of biomass, temperature of the reactor filled with biomass, and the type of catalyst used. The methods and instruments employed for the characterization of the obtained carbon-based materials are also discussed along with the properties of BAC. Possible applications and uses of BAC are also discussed, including its use in water treatment, energy, and catalysts, along with other environmental uses. Utilizations of BAC in waste treatment include its use in the removal of metal ions, organic dyes, antibiotics, and organic contaminants from wastewater. The paper also describes an analysis of the production costs as well as the difficulties and prospects of BAC. Finally, the future development and challenges of BAC are presented. This guides the further rational design of BAC production.