Activated carbon, a widely used adsorbent in industrial processes, is composed of a microporous, homogenous structure with high surface area and shows radiation stability. The process for producing high-efficiency activated carbon is not completely investigated in developing countries. Furthermore, there are many problems with the regeneration of used activated carbon. Nowadays, there is a great interest in finding inexpensive and effective alternatives to the existing commercial activated carbon. Exploring effective and low-cost activated carbon may contribute to environmental sustainability and offer benefits for future commercial applications. The cost of activated carbon prepared from biomaterials is very low compared to the cost of commercial activated carbon.

Several low cost natural materials are available in an around the world to produce activated carbon. Here the preparation of activated carbon from natural sources such as Camellia oleifera shell, bamboo waste, cherry stones, waste tea, and Paulownia flower are discussed. Chemical activation methods are commonly used to prepare the activated carbon in most cases.’

Activated carbon produced from Foxnut (Euryale ferox) shell exhibits highest BET surface area and total pore volume among the activated carbon produced from different sources. Activated carbon produced from different sources is good in removing hazardous compounds and dyes from industrial waste gases and wastewater in addition to their application as electrode material in super capacitors.