Solid waste-derived carbonaceous catalysts for environmental and energy applications

Urbanization and industrialization generate vast amounts of solid waste, posing significant threats to the biotic and abiotic components of the environment. Solid wastes-derived carbonaceous catalysts (SW-CCs) represent an effective strategy for resource utilization, and SW-CCs are gradually applied in environmental remediation and energy fields. However, the effects of the properties of SW-CCs on their catalytic activity remain inadequately understood. A comprehensive review of the applications of SW-CCs in environmental remediation and energy fields is yet to be achieved. It is necessary to systematically review the latest research progress of SW-CCs in environmental remediation and energy fields. First of all, this review summarizes the influences of various factors on the properties of SW-CCs and how these properties affect the catalytic activity. Subsequently, it explores the recent research progress and existing issues in the applications of SW-CCs in environmental remediation (persulfate activation, photocatalysis, and Fenton-like oxidation) and the energy sector (H₂ production, biodiesel production, and CO₂ conversion). Finally, future research prospects and recommendations are provided to facilitate further development and application of SW-CCs. This review offers new insights into the resource utilization of solid waste and the development of efficient and practical carbonaceous catalysts.