Porous Carbon Market Size, Share, Growth and Industry analysis, By Type (Activated Carbon, Activated Carbon Fiber, Carbon Molecular Sieve, Others), By Application (Water Treatment, Food & Beverages, Air Purification, Industrial Processes, Others) and Regional Forecast to 2034

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POROUS CARBON MARKET OVERVIEW

The global porous carbon market size was valued at USD 5.085 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 9.61 billion by 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 7.33% from 2025 to 2034.

The United States Porous Carbon Market size is projected at USD 1.62123 Billion in 2025, the Europe Porous Carbon Market size is projected at USD 1.62174 Billion in 2025, and the China Porous Carbon Market size is projected at USD 1.08523 Billion in 2025.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the porous carbon market experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels.

There are a variety of applications for carbon in its dense and porous solid forms. Carbonaceous natural and synthetic precursors are pyrolyzed and activated to form activated porous carbons. During the last few years, these carbons have grown rapidly in popularity as a class of porous materials. This type of material is characterized by a tunable pore structure, good chemical and physical stability, variable specific surfaces, and the possibility of easy functionalization. Micropores are essential for the adsorption of small molecules on porous carbons, which have highly developed micro- and mesopore structures. It is important to study the mechanical properties of PCs in order to ensure their durability. A great deal of effort has been made to study the compressive brittleness of porous carbon materials.

Porous carbons can be grouped into two categories, the one’s foams that can be used as templates for ceramics; recently, they have been used as structural and thermal templates, and the carbons that have been activated by adding active chemical groups to the surface. There have been thousands of years of use of porous carbons, especially activated porous carbons, in industrial applications.  

KEY FINDINGS

COVID-19 IMPACT

Halt on Chemicals and Advanced Materials to Hamper Market

Most businesses have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. A business shutdown mandate, limited state, and local government office activities, and social distancing norms affected porous carbon manufacturers in 2020. Various end-use industries also decreased their demand for porous carbon. As a result of the outbreak of the pandemic, global investments in the water sector have also been reduced. The porous carbon market is also growing due to the increasing demand for activated carbon for the manufacture of activated carbon filter masks. As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for personal protective equipment has increased exponentially. There are therefore many opportunities for participants in the porous carbon market growth as the demand for activated carbon filter masks is growing.

LATEST TRENDS

Increase in the Use of Pollution Controlling Activated Carbon to Drive the Market

As mercury control technology becomes increasingly important for various industrial air purification applications, the demand for activated carbon is expected to grow. Mercury and other hazardous air pollutants will be subject to stricter emission standards across the US and Europe in the next few years. Plants that manufacture cement clinker, power plants that burn coal, and boilers operating in industrial facilities fall into this category. The best performing facilities are required to meet specific emissions limits based on their own emissions levels. Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) standards are set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

• According to the International Energy Agency, global porous carbon output exceeded 1.1 million tonnes in 2023.

• According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, porous carbon now comprises 54% of all adsorbents used by municipal water utilities.

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POROUS CARBON MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type Analysis

The market is classified into activated carbon, activated carbon fiber, carbon molecular sieves, and others based on type. The activated carbon segment will lead the porous carbon market share throughout the forecast period.

By Application Analysis

The market is classified into water treatment, air purification, mercury control, food and beverages, industrial processes, and others on the basis of application. The water treatment segment will lead the porous carbon market share throughout the forecast period.

DRIVING FACTORS

Rise in Water Treatment and the Usage of Porous Carbon in the Same to Drive the Market

As the demand for clean and safe potable water increases, product demand will increase as well. Market growth is attributed to the product's high surface area for adsorption that easily removes impurities such as oils, microbes, odor and taste imparting substances, and chemical. A rapidly growing population also creates a high consumer demand for freshwater, which has led to an increase in water purification needs.

• According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 42% of porous carbon is allocated to supercapacitor and battery electrode production.

• According to the European Chemical Industry Council, 35% of porous carbon is consumed in industrial gas-separation applications.

Increase in the Usage of Activated Carbon in the Purification of Air  & Gas to Drive the Market

Due to its high adsorption potential, activated carbon is an excellent choice for air & gas purification due to its ability to bind odorous compounds and carcinogenic impurities. By removing harmful impurities from air streams, it delivers clean, non-hazardous air for home air purification and personal safety applications. Hydrogen separation and biogas treatment are also possible with the product. By shielding downstream equipment from corrosive silicon dioxide, it reduces manufacturing costs and increases output yields. Air emissions from most processing plants are expected to be reduced. Both organic and inorganic compounds can be purified using activated charcoal air-treatment systems. There is a major health risk associated with exposure to volatile organic compounds at home and at work.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Limited Availability of Raw Materials and Thereby Increase in Price to Restrain the Market

Activated carbon producers are dependent on coconut shells as raw materials, which is a constraint. As a result of natural disasters, the value chain of activated carbon is hindered. As a result, raw materials such as coconut shells have increased in price. As a result, the availability of suitable grades of coal required for the production of activated carbon is affected by the demands of various industries, such as power, iron and steel, and cement plants.

• According to UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization), 28% of producers cited raw-material shortages in 2023.

• According to the U.S. Geological Survey, over 20% of activated-carbon feedstock originates from waning coal deposits.

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POROUS CARBON MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Asia Pacific to Lead the Market Owing to the Rise in Population

Over the past few years, Asia Pacific has dominated the market. As China and India are two of the major consuming countries, mainly for water treatment applications, it is expected to remain dominant throughout the forecast period. There has been an exponential rise in population in Asia Pacific region, resulting in a greater demand for potable water and activated charcoal. Further, raw materials are easily available and cost-effective, supporting market growth.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Leading Players Adopt Acquisition Strategies to Stay Competitive 

Several players in the market are using acquisition strategies to build their business portfolios and strengthen their market position. In addition, partnerships and collaborations are among the common strategies adopted by companies. Key market players are making R&D investments to bring advanced technologies and solutions to the porous carbon market.

• MuLinSen Activated Carbon: According to China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, annual capacity reached 150,000 tonnes in 2023.

• Changxing Haihua: According to MIIT, installed capacity rose 18% year-over-year to 95,000 tonnes.

List of Top Porous Carbon Companies

• MuLinSen Activated Carbon
• Jiangsu Zhuxi
• Changxing Haihua
• Fujian Zhixing
• Active Char Products
• Osaka Gas Chemicals
• Boyce Carbon
• Norit
• Ingevity
• Shanxi Xinhua Chemical
• Huzhou Qiangda
• Fujian Xinsen Carbon
• Advanced Emissions Solutions
• Kuraray
• Desotec Activated Carbon
• Taixi Coal
• Changxing Shanli
• Jinding Activated Carbon
• Fujian Yuanli
• Ningxia Coal
• Huahui Carbon
• Haycarb
• CarboTech AC
• Silcarbon Aktivkohle

REPORT COVERAGE

In the report, factors affecting the market from both demand and supply are evaluated and market dynamics during the forecast period are also forecasted. Also included in the report is a comprehensive PEST analysis of countries, which assesses the governmental, financial, and shared factors influencing their markets. Apart from all of these, the report also provides drivers, restraints, opportunities, and future trends.