Current Progress on the Surface Chemical Modification of Carbonaceous Materials

Carbon-based materials is considered one of the oldest and extensively studied research areas related to gas adsorption, energy storage and wastewater treatment for removing organic and inorganic contaminants. Efficient adsorption on activated carbon relies heavily upon the surface chemistry and textural features of the main framework. The activation techniques and the nature of the precursor have strong impacts on surface functionalities. Consequently, the main emphasis for scientists is to innovate or improve the activation methods in an optimal way by selecting suitable precursors for desired adsorption. Various approaches, including acid treatment, base treatment and impregnation methods, have been used to design activated carbons with chemically modified surfaces. The present review article intends to deliver precise knowledge on efforts devoted by researchers to surface modification of activated carbons. Chemical modification approaches used to design modified activated carbons for gas adsorption, energy storage and water treatment are discussed here.