Effects of Pyrolysis Control Parameters on the Structural Properties of Biomass-Derived Activated Carbon Materials...

The development of sustainable and low-cost energy storage and conversion systems is crucial for modern society. To enable large-scale implementation, research has focused on synthesizing eco-friendly and cost-effective components, particularly electrolytes and electrodes, for electrochemical devices such as fuel cells, supercapacitors, and batteries. Carbon-based materials are widely employed as electrodes or catalyst supports, and biomass-derived carbons have emerged as attractive alternatives due to their abundance, renewability, and low cost. The physicochemical and electrochemical properties of biomass-derived activated carbons (ACs) including porosity, surface area, and electrical conductivity strongly depend on their synthesis and activation processes. This review analyzes the preparation of ACs from various biomass sources, emphasizing pyrolysis in tubular furnaces and the influence of parameters such as activation temperature, time, gas flow rate, and carbonization conditions. The relationships between these parameters and the resulting structural and electrochemical properties are discussed, with a particular focus on plant-derived carbons. Finally, the applications of biomass-derived ACs as electrode materials in different electrochemical systems are summarized, highlighting how precursor type and synthesis route govern their performance and suitability for sustainable energy technologies.