Post-combustion CO2 capture using biomass based activated porous carbon: Latest advances in synthesis protocol and economics

CO2 concentration in the atmosphere has crossed an unprecedented level of 420 ppm, causing catastrophic events like climate change. Climate change mitigation via carbon capture is crucial for reducing CO2 emissions. Among various CO2 capture technologies, adsorption is considered one of the most efficient and promising techniques. In recent times, substantial research has been conducted on producing cost-effective and efficient adsorbents for CO2 capture via the thermal and chemical treatments of biomass. In this review, we discuss key scientific results to give broad insight into the recent progress in biomass conversion to activated porous carbon (APC). The effects of various chemical and thermal treatments on the textural properties and CO2 adsorption capacity of APC are comprehensively discussed. CO2 adsorption mechanism based on interaction with the surface functionality is thoroughly explained. The economic aspects of APC synthesis and post-combustion CO2 capture using APC are systematically reviewed. [Display omitted] •Use of biomass based activate porous carbon (APC) for CO2 capture is reviewed.•CO2 adsorption mechanism on APC surface is thoroughly explained.•APC surface functionalization via metal doping and heteroatom doping is discussed.•Economics of APC synthesis & large-scale CO2 capture on APC is critically reviewed.