Activated carbon (AC) has garnered a significant attention for its wide-ranging applications in energy storage and carbon

dioxide (CO₂) capture. While fossil-derived AC has traditionally dominated these sectors, growing environmental concerns

and the push for sustainability have steered research toward agro-waste-derived alternatives. AC produced from agro-waste

offers a promising and sustainable substitute, demonstrating enhanced performance in various environmental applications.

The activation process not only enhances porosity but also optimizes the surface area of these materials. In the context of

functionality and porosity, chemical activation is more effective than other methods, enhancing adsorption, reactivity, and

overall materials’ performance. By fine-tuning activation parameters, the resulting materials exhibit micro and meso-porosity,

enabling high adsorption capacities and efficient mass transport. These properties make them ideal candidates for advanced

applications. This review explores the necessity of physiochemical synthesis of AC from agro-waste using chemical activation

techniques over the conventional method to achieve superior functional properties. Additionally, the physiochemical activation

process is examined in detail to illustrate the role of activating agents in tailoring surface functionalities. The benefits

of chemical activation and functionalized AC for enhanced performance in heavy metals’ removal, energy storage and CO2

capture are highlighted, emphasizing its potential as a sustainable alternative in environmental applications