Msaadi, et al (2024) More than Spicy, Moringa oleifera as a FeedstockFeedstock refers to the raw organic material used to produce biochar. This can include a wide range of materials, such as wood chips, agricultural residues, and animal manure. More for Functional biochar@ZnO. [preprint]

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 derived from Moringa oleifera has shown promising applications in water treatment, especially in the degradation of organic pollutants. A recent study developed a biochar composite coated with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, synthesized through 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 at 500°C. This material was used to degrade Congo Red, a toxic azo dye commonly found in industrial wastewater.

The study employed slow pyrolysis to produce the biochar and optimized the degradation process using central composite design (CCD) to ensure maximum efficiency. The ZnO-coated biochar proved to be significantly more effective than pristine biochar, achieving 98% total organic carbon (TOC) removal in under six hours. This high degradation rate is attributed to the presence of uniformly distributed ZnO nanoparticles, as confirmed by SEM and XRD analyses.

The process involved an electrochemical setup where the biochar catalyst facilitated the reduction of Congo Red, leading to its mineralization into simpler, less harmful compounds like carbon dioxide and water. The catalyst was also successfully reused up to four times without significant performance loss.

This research highlights the potential of Moringa oleifera biochar as a low-cost, sustainable alternative for environmental remediation, aligning with global sustainability goals for clean water (SDG 6) and responsible consumption (SDG 12). The ability to recycle and efficiently remove pollutants underscores the value of biochar in advancing circular bioeconomy models.