In a study published in Renewable Energy, Kaur et al., explored the use of biosolids-derived activated biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More to improve the production of valuable chemicals from spent Eucalyptus nicholii biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More through catalytic pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More. The research highlights the potential of using biochar, a byproduct of wastewater treatment, as an affordable and effective catalyst.  

The study found that biochar catalysts, especially when activated with H3PO4, significantly increased the selectivity of phenolics and hydrocarbons in bio-oil. At an optimized pyrolysis temperature of 400°C, the H3PO4-activated biochar catalyst (PAC) produced bio-oil with a high content of phenolics (69.7 area%) and hydrocarbons (13.7 area%). This is compared to KOH-activated (KAC) and non-activated biochar catalysts (BC).  

The use of biochar catalysts did not significantly affect biochar yield; however, bio-oil yield was greatly influenced by the incorporation of carbo-catalysts. The enhanced production of specific chemicals is attributed to the unique surface functionalities of the biochar after activation.  

This research suggests that utilizing biosolids-derived biochar as a catalyst offers a sustainable and cost-effective approach to producing valuable chemicals from biomass

SOURCE: Kaur, R., Krishna, B. B., Rathnayake, N., Bhaskar, T., & Shah, K. (2025). Role of carbo-catalyst on upgrading the pyrolysis vapors of spent Eucalyptus nicholii biomass: Towards sustainable phenolics production. Renewable Energy, 242, 122468.