Activated carbon‐based hybrid adsorption–photocatalytic systems for organic pollutant removal: Mechanisms, materials, and future perspectives

Organic pollution is a significant global issue that endangers water and air quality, threatening ecosystems and human health. Advanced treatment techniques, such as hybrid adsorption–photocatalytic processes, are crucial for effective pollutant removal. Activated carbon is vital in this approach by adsorbing organic contaminants, boosting photocatalytic degradation, and enhancing overall treatment efficiency and sustainability. This review highlights the success of hybrid photocatalyst–adsorption systems in remediating organic pollutants. It underscores the role of activated carbon‐based photocatalysts in improving optical and physical properties, thereby increasing photocatalytic activity. Various photocatalytic reactor designs, configurations, and operating conditions are examined, along with the mechanisms of pollutant removal using both bare photocatalysts and catalysts supported on activated carbon. Lastly, current challenges and future opportunities are discussed to evaluate the potential of activated carbon‐based hybrid systems in environmental cleanup.