Biochar production, activation, and applications: A comprehensive technical review
L. Sun, Sean R. McIntyre, Paul Iacomi, Katie Everden, Paul T. Williams, Shuang Zong, Xinying Liu, Xiefei Zhu, Yanke Yang, Sam Fong Yau Li, Gang Wu, Fei Huang, Lina Liu, Xiangzhou Yuan, Huiyan Zhang, J.F. Zhang, Haiping Yang, Wei Chen, Hongman Sun, Yang Cao, Dongdong Feng, Zhenyu Cheng, Xiong Zhang, Daxin Liang, Shengkai Liu, Xiaoxiao Zhang, Xiaohong Zhu, Ye Shui Zhang, Yongliang Yan, Jianrui Zha, Yuanting Qiao, Salman Masoudi Soltani, Ning Zhang, Shouliang Yi, Wu Chunfei
Abstract
Our planet has been facing critical challenges since the late 20th century, including climate change, resource shortages, environmental degradation and pollution, demanding urgent and sustainable solutions. Biochar, a carbon-rich material produced from biomass pyrolysis, has gained attention for its great potentials in environmental remediation, pollutant removals, carbon neutrality, soil amendment, building materials, etc. The performance of biochar in these applications is highly related to its physicochemical properties, which are influenced by the feedstock and the preparation/activation methods. This paper reviews a wide range of biochar produced from various feedstocks and their performance in different applications. Advanced characterisations are discussed to unveil the fundamental mechanisms and provide insights for further improvement and optimization. The techno-economic analysis evaluates the feasibility, challenges, and opportunities for scaling up and adopting biochar in potential applications. By focusing on biochar's multifunctionality and sustainability, this paper provides a reference for future research on developing biochar as a green technology with environmental and economic benefits.