Activated Carbon: Past, Present and Future Trends in Sustainable Applications and the Role of Artificial Intelligence A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Activated carbon (AC), characterized by its high porosity, surface area, and functional versatility, is essential in environmental remediation, energy storage, and various industrial applications. Producing activated carbon from lignocellulosic agricultural biomass provides notable environmental and economic advantages. This review examines the historical evolution of AC, contemporary methods for its sustainable production, and innovative applications that correspond with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It points out key challenges on the feedstock, variability, energy-intensive processes, and environmental impacts, introducing innovative solutions such as microwave and ultrasonic activation and using artificial intelligence to optimize processes. Future trends are underlined by using circular economy principles and renewable energy integration to improve AC production efficiency and carbon footprint.