Carbon fibers (CFs) demonstrate a range of excellent properties including (but not limited to) microscale diameter, high hardness, high strength, light weight, high chemical resistance, and high temperature resistance. Therefore, it is necessary to summarize the application market of CFs. CFs with good physical and chemical properties stand out among many materials. It is believed that highly fibrotic CFs will play a crucial role. This review first introduces the precursors of CFs, such as polyacrylonitrile, bitumen, and lignin. Then this review introduces CFs used in BESs, such as electrode materials and modification strategies of MFC, MEC, MDC, and other cells in a large space. Then, CFs in biosensors including enzyme sensor, DNA sensor, immune sensor and implantable sensor are summarized. Finally, we discuss briefly the challenges and research directions of CFs application in BESs, biosensors and more fields.
Highlights
CF is a new-generation reinforced fiber with high hardness and strength.
Summary precursors from different sources of CFs and their preparation processes.
Introduction of the application and modification methods of CFs in BESs and biosensor.
Suggest the challenges in the application of CFs in the field of bio-electrochemistry.
Propose the prospective research directions for CFs.
Graphical abstract