Chapter 4: Analytical Applications of Activated Carbon

Activated carbon (AC) is a high-quality, low-cost material that can be used in a variety of analytical/environmental applications. Several precursors such as coconut shells, lignite, fly ash, coal, rose husk, and petroleum pitch have been cited as sources of AC. Hence, special consideration must be given to the final microstructure, precursor characteristics, and properties of AC. Several carbon-based nanomaterials have been employed for that purpose but AC in particular exhibits promising trends in analytical modalities for the remediation of environmental pollutants, including heavy metals, dyes, antibiotics, and volatile organic compounds, and gas storage. In this chapter, the impact of the aforementioned contaminants and their remediation by using AC have been focused on.