An insight into recent developments in sustainable biofuel production using activated carbon catalyst produced via valorization of agricultural biomass: Challenges, and environmental prospective.

Recently, the global industrial and transportation sectors are trying to reduce their dependence on petroleum products and replace them with renewable and environmentally friendly sources because of crude oil depletion and the problem of climate warming caused by the unrestrained release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases due to the combustion of petroleum- fuels. As a result, many scientists and researchers are promoting the development of new alternate sources with low cost and little environmental impact. The International Energy Agency (IEA) sets a high goal of obtaining 6% of the global energy supply from renewable energy sources by 2030. Biofuel is a form of biodegradable alternative fuel that can be synthesized from various vegetable and animal fatty sources using heterogynous catalysts. Activated carbon (AC) is a porous substance with distinct physical and chemical characteristics that has found widespread use in a variety of activities, especially in the catalytic process of biofuel production. Therefore In this review, the different lignocellulosic biomass raw materials bio-resources used in the production of activated carbon were reviewed and several examples detained including Durian shells, Palm kernel shells, Almond stone, Bamboo, Banana peel, Orange peel, Peanut shell, Rice husk, Sugar cane bagasse, and Waste tea. The techniques of activated carbon production were reviewed including physical, chemical, and microwave-assisted methods. However, chemical activation is more economical, as the activation takes place at low temperatures and in a relatively short time to give activated carbon its own high porosity and large surface area. The parameters influencing the properties of the produced activated carbon were monitored including the effect of activation temperature, activation time, and the impregnation ratio. The role of different activating agents on the effectiveness of activated carbon produced from different resources was studied. The best specifications for the production of activated carbon were determined, the degree of crystallinity, porosity, and surface area were controlled, and a report on the factors affecting them was determined. The costs of preparing activated carbon from various sources and raw materials had to be considered in the first place. [Display omitted] • Activated carbon has impressive properties during diverse applications. • Chemically activated carbon has narrow porous structure and high surface area. • Activated carbon is more ecofriendly and less toxic for environment. • Activated carbon functionalizing increased its activity in biodiesel production. • Activated carbon commercialization is important for industrial applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]