Can activated carbon be used for energy production and storage?

Here we review the use of activated carbon, a highly porous graphitic form of carbon, as catalyst and electrode for for energy production and storage. The article focuses on synthesis of activated carbon, hydrogen production and storage, biodiesel production, energy recovery, and the use of machine learning.

How much does activated carbon cost?

Lima et al. reported a low activation cost of poultry waste using steam by physical activation, which was found at USD 1.44 per kg at a production of 1108 tonnes per year. Lai et al. estimated the production cost of oil palm waste-based activated carbon with various activation methods for production capacity up to 1400 kg per day.

What contributes to the production cost of activated carbon?

Labor costs also contribute to the production cost of activated carbon. The cost of labor depends on the location of the production facility, as well as the skill level of the workers. In some countries, labor costs are lower, making it more cost-effective to produce activated carbon in those regions.

How can activated carbon be engineered?

The textural properties and surface chemistry of activated carbon can be engineered using acid and base treatments, hetero-atom doping, and optimization of the activation conditions to improve the efficiency of renewable energy production and storage.

Can activated carbon be used as electrodes in energy-storage systems?

Among carbon materials, activated carbon due to its lower production cost, versatile surface chemistry, high surface area, and feasibility of activated carbon synthesis using waste materials has drawn tremendous attention in energy-storage systems as electrodes (Ayinla et al. 2019).

Can activated carbon derived from biomass improve energy storage?

Numerous research studies have focused on improving energy storage through activated carbon derived from biomass, but there is still substantial room for improvement.