Advancing circular economy: Critical insights into waste biomass derived carbon electrodes for (bio)electrochemical water treatment

The use of waste biomass as a precursor for carbon electrodes in electrochemical water treatment not only offers a resourceful solution to waste management challenges but also constitutes a substantial contribution to the circular economy. This study critically reviews recent advancements in utilizing waste biomass derived carbon materials for electrochemical water treatment, focusing on applications like electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (e-AOPs) and capacitive deionization. The versatility of carbon materials, with characteristics such as extensive specific surface areas, high electrical conductivity, and tunable hydrophobicity, positions them as pivotal for various electrochemical applications. This short review extends to bioelectrochemical systems (BES), highlighting the potential of waste-derived carbon materials to enhance BES electrode efficiency while significantly reducing manufacturing costs. The comprehensive assessment of recent developments provides insights into strengths and weaknesses in the use of these materials and future research directions for optimizing electro/bioelectrochemical water treatment processes on a broader scale.