Mechanisms and applications of biochar in remediation, energy, and catalysis
Researchers at Punjab Agricultural University review biochar's production routes and its use across environmental remediation, energy and catalysis, mapping how its physicochemical properties drive each application.
Biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from biomass through thermochemical processes, has emerged as a versatile tool in environmental remediation, energy production, and catalysis. This review examines biochar's production methods, properties, and modifications, emphasizing its role in pollutant removal and energy systems, while also addressing challenges and future directions for sustainable use.
Biochar is produced through the thermochemical treatment of biomass with limited or no oxygen. Historically used to enhance soil fertility, its applications have expanded significantly due to its diverse environmental and industrial uses. This review compares key biochar production technologies, their advantages, disadvantages, and effects on biochar properties. It highlights the physical-chemical properties of biochar, such as pore structure and surface chemistry, and discusses modifications to enhance performance in specific applications. The review also explores biochar's role in pollutant removal, renewable energy systems, and catalytic transformations, with a focus on recent advances in nanobiochar.
Nanobiochar, with particle dimensions below 100 nm, offers enhanced surface reactivity and adsorption behavior due to its high surface-to-volume ratio. This review evaluates current challenges and opportunities for biochar and nanobiochar development, including impacts on health and the environment, production efficiency, and long-term stability.
Biochar's composition, primarily carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, contributes to its stability and functionality in carbon sequestration. Its inorganic content, including minerals and metals, varies based on feedstock. Biochar's properties, such as porosity and specific surface area, are influenced by production parameters like pyrolysis temperature, which affects its application range.
In addition to its use as a soil additive, biochar serves as an efficient adsorbent in air and water purification, and as a catalyst in biodiesel synthesis. Recent engineering approaches have led to the production of nanobiochar, enhancing its surface area and reactivity. This material's potential applications include photocatalysis, supercapacitors, and energy storage.
Despite its promise, biochar and nanobiochar face scientific and technical barriers to safe and widespread implementation. Issues such as health impacts and contaminant transport require further research. This review provides an overview of biochar and nanobiochar research, production processes, properties, and applications, along with current limitations and future prospects.
Source: Biochar Feed