A comprehensive review of enhanced CO₂ capture using activated carbon derived from biomass feedstock

The increasing level of atmospheric CO₂ requires the urgent development of effective capture technologies. This comprehensive review thoroughly examines various methods for the synthesis of carbon materials, modification techniques for converting biomass feedstock into carbon materials and pivotal factors impacting their properties. The novel aspect of this review is its in-depth comparison of how these modifications specifically affect the pore structure and surface area together with the exploration of the mechanism underlying the enhancement of CO₂ adsorption performance. Additionally, this review addresses research gaps and provides recommendations for future studies concerning the advantages and drawbacks of CO₂ adsorbents and their prospects for commercialization and economic feasibility. This article revealed that among the various strategies, template carbonization offers a viable option for providing control of the material pore diameter and structure without additional modification treatments. Optimizing the pore structure of activated carbons, particularly those activated with agents such as KOH and ZnCl₂, together with synthesizing hybrid activated carbons using multiple activating agents, is crucial for enhancing their CO₂ capture performance. Cost-benefit analysis suggests that biomass-derived activated carbons can significantly meet the escalating demand for CO₂ capture materials, offering economic advantages and supporting sustainable waste management.