Recent Advances in the Use of Biomass-Derived Activated Carbon as an Electrode Material for Electroanalysis

Activated carbon (AC), which has attracted considerable attention as an electrode material, holds much promise for electroanalysis. The unique physical and chemical properties of AC, such as the high surface area, good thermal and electrical conductivity, good anti-causticity, high stability, and low cost make it an electrode material which can generate large profits from a commercialization perspective. Number of biomass-derived ACs (BACs) with a variety of pore sizes, porosity, morphology, and crystallinity have been prepared from a range of sources of biomass, including agro-wastes on a large scale. BACs exhibit unique and tunable electrochemical properties depending on their physicochemical properties and thus, have found number of applications in industries, pharmaceutical industry, and water treatment plants. From an electrochemical perspective, researchers have demonstrated the impact of BAC as an electrode material for detecting electroactive drugs, environmental pollutants, and developing electrochemical biosensors. Hence, this paper thoroughly reviews and summarizes the literature published within the last ten years, focusing specifically on the types of analytes detected and electrochemical techniques employed and evaluating their performance (in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, and dynamic ranges) and feasibility for electroanalysis. In addition, the review outlines some constructive advice and scope for further research.