Emerging applications of biochar: A review on techno-environmental-economic aspects

Hui Zhu; Qing An; Amirah Syafika Mohd Nasir; Alexandre Babin; Sofia Lucero Saucedo; Amzy Vallenas; Loretta Li; Susan Anne Baldwin; Anthony Lau; Xiaotao Bi

doi:10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129745

Emerging applications of biochar: A review on techno-environmental-economic aspects

Bioresour Technol. 2023 Nov:388:129745. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129745. Epub 2023 Sep 9.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada.
² Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada; Thermal and Environmental Engineering Institute, Mechanical Engineering College, Tongji University, Shanghai 201800, China.
³ Department of Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada.
⁴ Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada. Electronic address: tony.bi@ubc.ca.

PMID: 37690489
DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129745

Abstract

Biomass fast pyrolysis produces bio-oil and biochar achieving circular economy. This review explored the emerging applications of biochar. Biochar possesses the unique properties for removing emerging contaminants and for mine remediation, owing to its negative charge surface, high specific surface area, large pore size distribution and surface functional groups. Additionally, biochar could adsorb impurities such as CO₂, moisture, and H₂S to upgrade the biogas. Customizing pyrolysis treatments, optimizing the feedstock and pyrolysis operating conditions enhance biochar production and improve its surface properties for the emerging applications. Life cycle assessment and techno-economic assessment indicated the benefits of replacing conventional activated carbon with biochar.

Keywords: Biochar surface modification; Biogas upgrading; Emerging contaminants; Mine remediation; Pyrolysis process optimization.

Publication types

Review