Mishra, et al (2024) Progress and development of 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 as a catalyst for hydrogen production. Journal of Cleaner Production. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.143853

Hydrogen is emerging as a cleaner energy carrier, and biochar is gaining attention as a potential catalyst to enhance hydrogen production. Biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from the thermochemical conversion 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, offers unique characteristics such as high surface area, porosityPorosity of biochar is a key factor in its effectiveness as a soil amendment and its ability to retain water and nutrients. Biochar’s porosity is influenced by feedstock type and pyrolysis temperature, and it plays a crucial role in microbial activity and overall soil health. Biochar More, and functional groups that make it suitable as a catalyst in various hydrogen production processes.

Biochar can be produced through techniques 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, 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, and hydrothermal carbonization. Its catalytic performance can be further enhanced by modifying its structure with additives such as alkali metals, acids, and metal ions. These modifications improve its activity and stability, making biochar an effective support for metal catalysts in hydrogen production.

This review discusses biochar’s application in several key hydrogen production processes, including thermochemical techniques like pyrolysis and gasification, photocatalytic water splitting, dark fermentation, and methane steam reforming. Each of these methods benefits from biochar’s catalytic properties, leading to higher hydrogen yields and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

While metal-based catalysts are traditionally used, they come with disadvantages like high cost and environmental concerns. In contrast, biochar provides an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative, offering a promising route to enhance hydrogen production efficiency. Future research is needed to optimize biochar’s catalytic performance and assess its long-term environmental and economic impacts.

In conclusion, biochar holds great potential as a catalyst in the shift toward sustainable hydrogen production and energy systems.