Towards advanced aqueous dye removal processes: A short review on the versatile role of activated carbon

During the last decade, several physico-chemical and biological techniques have been developed to remove colour from textile wastewaters. Some of these techniques rely on and many will profit from activated carbon (AC). The role of AC is versatile: (1) it acts as a dye adsorbent, not only in straightforward adsorption processes but also in AC-enhanced coagulation and membrane filtration processes; (2) it generates strong oxidising agents (mostly, hydroxyl (OH) radicals) in electrochemical dye oxidation; (3) it catalyses OH production in advanced oxidation processes; (4) it catalyses anaerobic (azo) dye reduction and supports biofilm growth in microbial dye removal. This paper reviews the role of AC in dye decolourisation, evaluates the feasibility of each AC-amended decolourisation technique and discusses perspectives on future research.

► The main results of AC-amended dye wastewater treatment processes are summarised.
► AC shows a big versatility of its main role in different dye removal methods.
► Most aqueous dye removal techniques can be improved by the involvement of AC.
► Suggestions for future research on textile wastewater treatment are made.