Microalgae-based biochar production and applications: A comprehensive review

Yoong Kit Leong; Jo-Shu Chang

doi:10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129782

Microalgae-based biochar production and applications: A comprehensive review

Bioresour Technol. 2023 Dec:389:129782. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129782. Epub 2023 Sep 22.

Authors

Yoong Kit Leong¹, Jo-Shu Chang²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Tunghai University, Taichung 407224, Taiwan; Research Center for Smart Sustainable Circular Economy, Tunghai University, Taichung 407224, Taiwan.
² Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Tunghai University, Taichung 407224, Taiwan; Research Center for Smart Sustainable Circular Economy, Tunghai University, Taichung 407224, Taiwan; Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Yuan Ze University, Chung-Li, Taiwan. Electronic address: changjs@mail.ncku.edu.tw.

PMID: 37742815
DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129782

Abstract

Biochar, a solid carbonaceous substance synthesized from the thermochemical degradation of biomass, holds significant potential in addressing global challenges such as soil degradation, environmental pollution, and climate change. Its potential as a carbon sequestration agent, together with its versatile applications in soil amendments, pollutant adsorption, and biofuel production, has garnered attention. On the other hand, microalgae, with their outstanding photosynthetic efficiency, adaptability, and ability to accumulate carbohydrates and lipids, have demonstrated potential as emerging feedstock for biochar production. However, despite the significant potential of microalgal biochar, our current understanding of its various aspects, such as the influence of parameters, chemical modifications, and applications, remains limited. Therefore, this review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of microalgae-based biochar, covering topics such as production techniques, pollutant removal, catalytic applications, soil amendments, and synthesis of carbon quantum dots to bridge the existing knowledge gap in this field.

Keywords: Biochar; Biofuel; Microalgae; Pollutants removal; Soil amendments.

Publication types

Review