Florian, et al (2024) 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 Production and Its Potential Application for Biocomposite Materials: A Comprehensive Review. J. Compos. Sci. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8060220

Biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from 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 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, is gaining attention for its promising applications in various fields. Its unique properties make it suitable for energy storage, catalytic devices, and biocomposite reinforcement. This review explores biochar’s production methods, physicochemical properties, and critical process parameters, emphasizing strategies to optimize biochar for specific applications.

The growing industrialization has led to a significant increase in solid organic waste, projected to reach 3.4 billion tons annually by 2050. Traditional waste management methods, such as combustion in Combined Heat and Power plants, generate greenhouse gases (GHGs)Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are gases in the atmosphere that trap heat, contributing to the warming of the planet. Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide are examples of greenhouse gases. Biochar helps to mitigate the emission of GHGs through various mechanisms. More, contributing to climate change. Biochar offers a sustainable alternative, with its carbon-rich composition and modifiable properties based on pyrolysis conditionsThe conditions under which pyrolysis takes place, such as temperature, heating rate, and residence time, can significantly affect the properties of the biochar produced.   More.

Biochar’s high surface area, carbon content, and porous structure make it an excellent candidate for developing biocomposites, which can replace petroleum-based plastics. Unlike natural fibers, biochar provides better thermal stability, hydrophobicity, and compatibility with polymer matrices, making it more advantageous as a filler in polymer composites. Additionally, biochar’s electrical properties enhance the conductivity of biocomposites, making them suitable for electronics, smart food packaging, and personal protective equipment.

This review underscores the broad applicability of biochar-based materials, from recycling waste materials to their economic viability compared to carbon-based alternatives. By examining various production methods and activation strategies, it highlights biochar’s potential across multiple fields and its role in reducing GHG emissions and mitigating climate change.