Journal of Primeasia

Integrative Disciplinary Research | Online ISSN 3064-9870 | Print ISSN 3069-4353
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Journal of Primeasia

Volume 7 Number 1 2026

Article Contents

REVIEWS   (Open Access)
Contents Vol 7 (1)

Advancing Sustainable Energy Storage: Biomass-Derived Activated Carbon for High-Performance Supercapacitors – Insights from Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract 1. Introduction 2. Materials and Methods 3. Results 4. Discussion 5. Limitations 6. Conclusion References

Amena Khatun Manica 1*

+ Author Affiliations

Journal of Primeasia 7 (1) 1-8 https://doi.org/10.25163/primeasia.7110785

Submitted: 10 June 2026 Revised: 13 June 2026  Accepted: 14 June 2026  Published: 14 June 2026 

Abstract

The escalating global demand for sustainable energy storage has intensified research into high-performance, environmentally friendly materials. Among these, biomass-derived activated carbon (AC) has emerged as a promising electrode material for supercapacitors, offering high surface area, hierarchical porosity, and tunable electrochemical properties. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesize studies, focusing on diverse biomass feedstocks, activation methods, and heteroatom doping strategies to optimize electrochemical performance. Chemical activation using potassium hydroxide (KOH) consistently yielded ultrahigh surface areas (>3000 m²/g) and excellent cycling stability, while physical activation via steam presented environmentally cleaner but slightly lower-performing alternatives. Heteroatom doping with nitrogen, sulfur, or oxygen enhanced pseudocapacitance and wettability, improving charge storage efficiency. The meta-analysis indicates that mixed biomass feedstocks, such as pigskin and broccoli, produced nitrogen- and sulfur-enriched carbons with specific capacitances exceeding 470 F/g and high retention over long-term cycling. Environmental assessments reveal that AC production’s primary impacts arise during carbonization and activation, accounting for >95% of total greenhouse gas emissions and ecotoxicity, highlighting the importance of process optimization and KOH recycling. Economic analyses suggest that recycled KOH can reduce costs, making biomass-derived AC competitive with commercial alternatives. Collectively, this review emphasizes that biomass-derived AC not only advances supercapacitor performance but also aligns with circular economy principles by repurposing agricultural and industrial residues. These insights guide future electrode design, sustainable production strategies, and scalable implementation in energy storage systems.

Keywords: Biomass-derived activated carbon, Supercapacitors, Electrochemical performance, Heteroatom doping, Potassium hydroxide activation, Sustainability, Circular economy

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