A Review on Ionic Liquids in the Design of Carbon-Based Materials for Environmental Contaminant Removal

Contamination of water and soil with a wide range of pollutants, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals, remains a significant environmental challenge. Carbon-based materials are widely recognized for their high adsorption capacity, chemical stability, and the possibility to tailor their surface and structural properties. In recent years, ionic liquids (ILs) have been explored as useful media and functionalization agents in the preparation of such materials. Their unique physicochemical properties can facilitate activation, influence pore structure, and introduce specific functional groups that improve interactions with target contaminants. This review summarizes recent developments in the use of ILs for the synthesis, modification, and regeneration of carbonaceous adsorbents. Particular attention is given to IL-assisted activation techniques, surface functionalization strategies, and reported improvements in adsorption performance. Key challenges, such as the environmental impact and cost of ILs, as well as prospects for developing more sustainable IL-based processes, are also discussed. Taken together, these findings highlight the relevance of IL-enabled carbon materials for practical adsorption processes, including water and wastewater treatment, selective pollutant removal, and regeneration-driven purification systems.