Biochar, a porous carbon material created through the thermal treatment 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 in low-oxygen environments, is rich in oxygen-containing functional groups (OCFGs) such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, and carbonyl. These groups are crucial for the material’s effectiveness in applications like pollution removal, catalysis, and energy storage.

A recent review by Jiefeng Chen and colleagues delves into the formation, detection, engineering, and applications of OCFGs in biochar. The study explains how different feedstocks and 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 (temperature, atmosphere, heating rate) influence the formation of these functional groups. It also explores methods for enhancing OCFG content through oxidation and other treatments.

OCFGs provide active sites that improve biochar’s performance in environmental remediation by adsorbing pollutants, in biorefineries by acting as catalysts, and in energy storage by enhancing capacitance. The review highlights the significant roles of these functional groups in these diverse fields, emphasizing the need for specific forms and high contents of OCFGs to optimize biochar’s functionality.

While previous studies have focused on specific contaminants and applications, this comprehensive review addresses the broader scope of OCFGs’ formation mechanisms and their varied applications. It provides a critical overview of current research, identifies gaps, and suggests future directions to advance the understanding and engineering of biochar for environmental and industrial applications.

The review underscores the potential of biochar as a sustainable solution to address global challenges like pollution and resource depletion, pointing to its versatile applications driven by its unique chemical properties.