Activated carbon from lignocellulosic biomass as catalyst: A review of the applications in fast pyrolysis process

Abstract Activated carbon (AC) has been widely used in various important fields. The conversion of renewable lignocellulosic biomass (LB) is a cost-effective and environmental-friendly way for AC production. Effects of various process parameters on the production stage were reviewed, mainly including pretreatment technology, activation process, pyrolysis temperature and heating technology. At the meantime, the properties and characteristics of AC derived from LB were discussed. In terms of LB derived AC application in fast catalytic pyrolysis process, two respects include phenol and hydrocarbons production have been summarized. The comparison in catalytic performance of LB-derived AC, commercial AC and zeolite-based catalyst for upgrading bio-oil were also investigated. Finally, the future challenges and directions are proposed. The current comprehensive review could provide new insights towards developing LB-derived AC with appropriate properties for upgrading bio-oil in catalytic pyrolysis process.