Recent advances in lignin-based carbon materials for pollutant removal and oil–water separation: a review

with excellent recyclability. Key adsorption mechanisms, including electrostatic attraction, π-π interactions, surface complexation, and pore filling, are systematically discussed. Furthermore, current challenges related to scalability, regeneration, and process economics are highlighted. Overall, lignin-derived carbon materials offer a low-cost, sustainable, and scalable solution for advanced wastewater treatment and oil-water separation, aligning closely with the principles of the circular bioeconomy and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 6, 12, and 13).