Multipurpose applications of bamboo as an activated carbon: An overview

Abstract

Bamboo is a versatile resource for the synthesis of activated carbon. Low-cost precursors owing to a high growth rate and high carbon content in bamboo have consolidated its suitability as a renewable and notable alternative resource to activated carbon production. The attractiveness of bamboo activated carbon is due to its microcrystalline structure with a high porosity, fast absorption, and highly active surface area. Bamboo activated carbon can be synthesised via carbonisation and activation processes. The carbonisation process produces a substance with a colossal surface area to the mass ratio, which effective in holding various materials, minerals, humidity, odours, etc. Activation process involves the establishment of typical structures and advanced porosity to devise the high porosity of the solid activated carbon. Bamboo activated carbon can be used for energy-related reasons in environmental conservation, agriculture, soil amendment, animal feed additions, and wastewater treatment. It can also be used as a supplement in the composting and fermentation processes, utilised as a tar reduction catalyst in pyrolysis and gasification, as a pelletised fuel, and as a hydrogen production substrate. Numerous studies on activated carbon produced by diverse feedstocks are published in the areas of production, characterisation and possible uses and applications. Bamboo activated carbon is safeguarding its sphere of importance in today's era due to its multipurpose uses. The bamboo activated carbon is mostly used in the industrial, agricultural, and natural environment-related sectors. This paper presents a brief overview of the applications of bamboo activated carbon in numerous areas.