Asif, et al (2024) Emerging Engineered 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 Environmental and Energy Applications. Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobab.2024.11.004

The rising demand for sustainable energy solutions has positioned 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 as a key renewable resource. Accounting for 10% of global energy supply, biomass can be converted into biochar—a versatile carbon-rich material—using processes like 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, hydrothermal carbonization (HTC), and gasificationGasification is a high-temperature, thermochemical process that converts carbon-based materials into a gaseous fuel called syngas and solid by-products. It takes place in an oxygen-deficient environment at temperatures typically above 750°C. Unlike combustion, which fully burns material to produce heat and carbon dioxide (CO2​), gasification More. These thermochemical techniques utilize diverse feedstocks, such as agricultural waste, municipal refuse, and algae, to produce biochar, bio-oil, and syngasSyngas, or synthesis gas, is a fuel gas mixture consisting primarily of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. It is produced during gasification and can be used as a fuel source or as a feedstock for producing other chemicals and fuels.   More.

Pyrolysis, conducted at 300–600°C in oxygen-limited conditions, yields biochar that supports soil health, water purification, and energy applications like supercapacitors and batteries. HTC, often termed “wet torrefaction,” operates under elevated pressures and moderate temperatures, producing hydrochar with unique chemical properties. Gasification, by contrast, emphasizes syngas production—a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and methane.

To enhance biochar’s effectiveness, engineering techniques such as chemical activation and heteroatom doping are employed. These modifications improve surface area, pore structure, and catalytic properties, enabling broader applications in environmental remediation and energy storage.

However, challenges remain. Biomass variability complicates standardization, and large-scale production is hindered by cost and technical limitations. Moreover, potential environmental risks, like pollution from biochar degradation, require further study.

Future advancements hinge on integrating machine learning to predict material properties, improving scalability, and addressing economic and environmental concerns. Collaboration between governments, industries, and researchers is essential to unlock biochar’s potential as a sustainable solution for global energy and environmental challenges.