Recent advancements and challenges in emerging applications of biochar-based catalysts

Xiangzhou Yuan; Yang Cao; Jie Li; Anil Kumar Patel; Cheng-Di Dong; Xin Jin; Cheng Gu; Alex C K Yip; Daniel C W Tsang; Yong Sik Ok

doi:10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108181

Recent advancements and challenges in emerging applications of biochar-based catalysts

Biotechnol Adv. 2023 Oct:67:108181. doi: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108181. Epub 2023 Jun 1.

Authors

Xiangzhou Yuan¹, Yang Cao², Jie Li³, Anil Kumar Patel⁴, Cheng-Di Dong⁵, Xin Jin⁶, Cheng Gu⁶, Alex C K Yip⁷, Daniel C W Tsang⁸, Yong Sik Ok⁹

Affiliations

¹ Ministry of Education of Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion and Control, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; Korea Biochar Research Center, APRU Sustainable Waste Management Program & Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
² Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
³ CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
⁴ Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, College of Hydrosphere, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan.
⁵ Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan.
⁶ State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
⁷ Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand.
⁸ Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China. Electronic address: dan.tsang@polyu.edu.hk.
⁹ Korea Biochar Research Center, APRU Sustainable Waste Management Program & Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: yongsikok@korea.ac.kr.

PMID: 37268152
DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108181

Abstract

The sustainable utilization of biochar produced from biomass waste could substantially promote the development of carbon neutrality and a circular economy. Due to their cost-effectiveness, multiple functionalities, tailorable porous structure, and thermal stability, biochar-based catalysts play a vital role in sustainable biorefineries and environmental protection, contributing to a positive, planet-level impact. This review provides an overview of emerging synthesis routes for multifunctional biochar-based catalysts. It discusses recent advances in biorefinery and pollutant degradation in air, soil, and water, providing deeper and more comprehensive information of the catalysts, such as physicochemical properties and surface chemistry. The catalytic performance and deactivation mechanisms under different catalytic systems were critically reviewed, providing new insights into developing efficient and practical biochar-based catalysts for large-scale use in various applications. Machine learning (ML)-based predictions and inverse design have addressed the innovation of biochar-based catalysts with high-performance applications, as ML efficiently predicts the properties and performance of biochar, interprets the underlying mechanisms and complicated relationships, and guides biochar synthesis. Finally, environmental benefit and economic feasibility assessments are proposed for science-based guidelines for industries and policymakers. With concerted effort, upgrading biomass waste into high-performance catalysts for biorefinery and environmental protection could reduce environmental pollution, increase energy safety, and achieve sustainable biomass management, all of which are beneficial for attaining several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG).

Keywords: Biodiversity; Carbon negative; Corporate sustainability; Gasification; Life cycle assessment (LCA); Nature positive; Pyrolysis; Sustainability.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Biomass
Carbon*
Charcoal* / chemistry
Soil

Substances

biochar
Charcoal
Carbon
Soil