The development of new adsorbent materials and the optimization of their performance have enabled a wide range of new applications for adsorbents. Some examples of new applications that have been tackled in recent years include:

• Water treatment: Adsorbents are widely used for the removal of contaminants from water, including heavy metals, organic pollutants, and microorganisms. 
• Air purification: Adsorbents are also used for the removal of pollutants from the air, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors, and particulate matter.
• Separation of gases: Adsorbents can be used to selectively adsorb specific gases from a mixture, enabling the separation of gases for a variety of applications, such as the purification of gases used in the food and beverage industry, and the separation of gases in the production of hydrogen fuel.
• Waste treatment: Adsorbents are used to remove contaminants from industrial waste streams, enabling the treatment of waste in an environmentally responsible manner. 
• Drug delivery: Adsorbents have also been explored for use in drug delivery systems, where they can be used to selectively adsorb and release specific drugs in a controlled manner.

These are just a few examples of the new applications that have been tackled through the development of adsorbents. The versatility and effectiveness of these materials make them useful for a wide range of applications, and ongoing research is likely to lead to the development of even more innovative uses for adsorbents in the future.