Research progress on the preparation and application of activated carbon derived from hair waste

Biomass-derived activated carbon features a rich pore structure, excellent electrical properties, and the advantage of renewability, making it highly applicable in catalysis, electrochemistry, adsorption, and various other fields. Researchers have developed various types of biomass-based activated carbon from sources such as straw, fruit shells, and hair, utilizing them for pollutant treatment, battery materials, and catalytic reactions, thereby achieving sustainable resource use. This paper reviews the research progress in preparing activated carbon from animal hair as a carbon source primarily focusing on the preparation process of hair-derived activated carbon and its applications in water treatment and electrochemical materials. Finally, we discussed the promising potential of composite materials related to hair-derived activated carbon.