Application of activated carbon in renewable energy conversion and storage systems: a review

Abstract

The consumption of renewable energy should increase by 300% by 2050 compared to 2010 due to the rising demand for green electricity, stringent government mandates on low-carbon fuels, and competitive biofuel production costs, thus calling for advanced methods of energy production. 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. 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. Machine learning allows to optimize the synthesis of catalysts, electrodes and bioproducts, with benefits to the biorefinery industries.