Insight into activated carbon from different kinds of chemical activating agents: A review

Activated carbon (AC) is an important material in various fields owing to its low cost, well-developed porosity, and favorable chemical stability. Key factors for the optimal synthesis of AC are the carbon precursors, activation pathways, activating agents, and design of the procedure parameters. So far, no case studies have reviewed the activating agents used during the chemical activation process. Accordingly, the present review provides a summary of recent research, highlighting the development of activating agents during the process of AC. Detailed lists of pore-forming mechanisms by various activating agents, including alkaline, acidic, neutral, and self-activating agents, have been systematically summarized. Furthermore, the effects of activating agents on the experimental procedures have also been established. Finally, a comprehensive discussion about the influences of activating agents on the physical and chemical properties of the resultant AC is included. The objective of this study is to reveal and distinguish the individual roles of different activating agents during AC synthesis.