Bulk Carbon Materials for the Environment: Synthesis Routes and Properties

Bulk carbon materials are widely applicable in environment-related functions due to their unique, versatile properties and functionality profiles. This chapter covers different categories of bulk carbon materials, namely graphite, biochar, activated carbon, carbon fibres, and several other evolving forms, discussing how they contributed to sustainable approaches. Synthetic methods involve hydrothermal carbonization, pyrolysis, and physical and chemical activation, which are debated on the influences on the characteristics of the obtained material. These materials exhibit important qualities such as high surface area, abundant functional groups, strong adsorption capacity, good thermal stability, and regeneration potential, which are explained. These properties are essential for how effectively the material protects the environment. Its use in water purification, air filtration, and soil remediation demonstrates how these materials can help address hazardous environmental problems. However, the large-scale production, regeneration, and ecological effects must be studied more.