A Review on Harnessing the Potential of Coconut Shell Activated Carbon and Nitrogen-Doped Activated Carbon - Catalysts for Sustainable Power Generation

Abstract

The rising demand for sustainable energy solutions has spurred intensive exploration into novel materials for energy storage and conversion. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of two synergistic materials, Coconut Shell Activated Carbon (CSAC) and Coconut Shell Nitrogen-Doped Activated Carbon (CS-NAC), illustrating their potential in advancing power generation, energy storage, and environmental remediation. CSAC emerges as a versatile material renowned for its high surface area, porosity, and conductivity. Its application in fuel cell batteries showcases enhanced electrode performance and overall fuel cell efficiency. Additionally, CSAC displays promising characteristics in Lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors, positively impacting energy density, power density, and cycling stability. Tailoring CSAC through synthesis and modification techniques addresses challenges related to cost and scalability, aligning seamlessly with sustainable practices. Environmental assessments underscore its eco-friendly nature, aligning with green energy initiatives. Future directions emphasize optimization strategies and innovative applications, highlighting CSAC's potential in advancing sustainable power generation technologies. On the other hand, CS-NAC, a nitrogen-doped variant derived from coconut shells, demonstrates remarkable performance in energy storage applications. Enhanced through nitrogen doping, it exhibits superior capacitance, prolonged cycle life, and improved charge-discharge kinetics, making it invaluable in cutting-edge energy storage systems. Its versatility extends to catalytic applications, especially in oxygen reduction reactions and environmental remediation, showcasing efficiency in adsorbing pollutants and heavy metals. Despite challenges in synthesis and scalability, CS-NAC's eco-friendly nature aligns with global initiatives for clean energy technologies. Future research directions focus on synthesis optimization, fundamental mechanism understanding, and innovative applications, positioning CS-NAC as a sustainable material addressing contemporary challenges in energy storage and environmental remediation. This combined potential underscores the pivotal role of these materials in shaping the future of energy science and environmental engineering.