The implementation of ultra-low emission standards in the steel industry imposes higher demands on flue gas purification. Carbon-based materials, leveraging their porous structure and surface activity, demonstrate high adsorption potential for treating heavy metal ions, sulfur- and nitrogen-containing compounds, and volatile organic pollutants. However, their application is constrained by a limited selective adsorption capacity. This paper systematically analyzes the mechanisms by which carbon-based materials treat water, air, and soil pollutants; investigates their physical and chemical degradation patterns; and summarizes practical physicochemical modification pathways. Research indicates that modification techniques can effectively overcome performance limitations of carbon-based materials, enhance pollutant adsorption efficiency, and provide new insights for the engineering application of multi-media pollution synergistic control and environmental remediation technologies.