Recent trends in activated carbon fibers production from various precursors and applications—A comparative review

Abstract Activated carbon fibers (ACF) are relatively novel and by far one of the most important fibrous carbon materials owing to their special characteristics such as fibrous structure, high porosity, high volumetric capacity, excellent packing density, fast adsorption kinetics, good porous storage capacity and ease of handling. This work aims to present a detailed overview of activated carbon fiber (ACF) synthesis process, influence of the process variables on the morphology of these ACF and their applications. A comprehensive study of major precursors (polyacrylonitrile, pitch, phenolic and cellulosic), particularly comparison between the characteristics of ACF based on these precursors, has been provided with an eye for details. Among them, lignocellulosic based ACF are suitable solutions for industrial scale ACF production implementing cost effective and environment friendly approach. The use of lignocellulosic material for ACF has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas effects and is a suitable alternative for solid waste management of lignocellulosic solid produced annually. Furthermore, reports on the applications of ACF in CO2 capture, volatile organic removal, wastewater treatment and energy have also been critically reviewed. ACF currently hold small market component of specific high-end uses. Due to their unique characteristics and advantages over other carbon materials, ACF can be anticipated to dominate a major market in the emerging areas of smart fabrics, energy storage, health care, water and air purification and advanced instrumentation.