Xiao et al., in Energy & Fuels, reviewed the adsorption of sulfur-containing gaseous pollutants by 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. Sulfur-containing gaseous pollutants (e.g., H2S, SO2, and COS) are important sources of air pollution. Adsorption removal of sulfur-containing gaseous pollutants by biochar has a good development prospect. However, due to scarce active functional groups and active sites on biochar and an underdeveloped pore structure, the development and application of biochar are still limited in this field.  

Activation and modification of biochar are one of the most effective ways to raise biochar surface active sites and active functional groups, and improve the pore structure of biochar. Various activation and modification methods are classified and summarized, including acid/alkali activation, microwave activation, metal oxide modification, nitrogen doping modification, and other emerging modification methods. The main process parameters, advantages, and disadvantages of each modification and activation method are introduced in detail. The activation and modification mechanisms as well as the adsorption mechanisms of pollutants are also discussed and summarized.  

Among these methods, photochemical modification technology has the advantages of a simple and clean process and low energy consumption, and especially it can simultaneously produce oxygen-containing functional groups on the carbon surface and improve the biochar pore structure, showing superior development prospects. This review will provide needed guidance and inspiration for researchers in related areas to develop new biochar-based desulfurization adsorbents.  

SOURCE: Xiao, Z., Liu, Y., Pan, J., & Wang, Y. (2025). Review of the adsorption of sulfur-containing gaseous pollutants by biochar: Progress, challenges, and perspectives. Energy & Fuels. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.4c06274