Ahmed, et al (2025) Functionalized 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 for carbon neutral/negative cementitious composites with superior performances. Construction and Building Materials. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.139143

Researchers from the University of Texas at Arlington have developed an innovative method to integrate functionalized biochar into cementitious materials, significantly reducing their carbon footprint while enhancing performance. Biochar, a byproduct of 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 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, naturally sequesters carbon. By modifying biochar with polydopamine (PDA) and polyacrylic acid (PAA), the study overcame its typical drawbacks, such as reduced strength and workability in concrete mixes.

Key findings include:

• Functionalized biochar dramatically improved the compressive strength of cement composites, reaching up to 54 MPa under sealed curing and 43 MPa under carbonation curing—both outperforming conventional mixtures.
• Carbon footprints were reduced by up to 170% in carbonation-cured composites, achieving net carbon negativity.
• The additives PDA and PAA enhanced the interaction between biochar and cement, improving hydration kinetics and reducing void spaces, which are crucial for durability.

This research showcases a practical approach to making cement, a notoriously high-carbon material, a viable option in carbon-neutral construction. Future exploration into diverse biochar sources and curing methods could further generalize and optimize these findings for widespread adoption.

These advancements not only pave the way for greener building materials but also demonstrate how tailored biochar modifications can merge sustainability with structural integrity, supporting global efforts to reduce CO2 emissions in the construction industry.