Florian, et al (2024) Biochar Production and Its Potential Application for Biocomposite Materials: A Comprehensive Review. J. Compos. Sci. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8060220

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Biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from biomass through pyrolysis, is gaining attention for its promising applications in various fields. Its unique properties make it suitable for energy storage, catalytic devices, and biocomposite reinforcement. This review explores biochar’s production methods, physicochemical properties, and critical process parameters, emphasizing strategies to optimize biochar for specific applications.

The growing industrialization has led to a significant increase in solid organic waste, projected to reach 3.4 billion tons annually by 2050. Traditional waste management methods, such as combustion in Combined Heat and Power plants, generate greenhouse gases (GHGs), contributing to climate change. Biochar offers a sustainable alternative, with its carbon-rich composition and modifiable properties based on pyrolysis conditions.

Biochar’s high surface area, carbon content, and porous structure make it an excellent candidate for developing biocomposites, which can replace petroleum-based plastics. Unlike natural fibers, biochar provides better thermal stability, hydrophobicity, and compatibility with polymer matrices, making it more advantageous as a filler in polymer composites. Additionally, biochar’s electrical properties enhance the conductivity of biocomposites, making them suitable for electronics, smart food packaging, and personal protective equipment.

This review underscores the broad applicability of biochar-based materials, from recycling waste materials to their economic viability compared to carbon-based alternatives. By examining various production methods and activation strategies, it highlights biochar’s potential across multiple fields and its role in reducing GHG emissions and mitigating climate change.