A Mini Review of Biochar Synthesis, Characterization, and Related Standardization and Legislation

Abstract

The abundance of biomass in Malaysia creates an avenue for growth of bio-economic sector through the research and development (R&D) activities on the biochar production. Biochar that is described as a carbonaceous material derived from the thermochemical process at temperature of usually lower than 700°C is promising due to its applicability in wider range of applications, such as in soil amendment (fertilizer) and as a low-cost adsorbent for the pollution remediation, apart from minimizing the solid waste disposal problems. Therefore, this chapter discusses the current trends on various production techniques of biochar from both the lignocellulosic (plantation based waste materials) and non-lignocellulosic sources, as well as the physiochemical characteristics of the resulting biochar. In addition, overview of the biochar industry in Malaysia is presented in this chapter. Lastly, recap of standardization and legislation particularly related to the biochar utilization as a soil amendment agent is included to grasp readers' attention prior to the large scale applications.

Medium-Term Effects and Economic Analysis of Biochar Application in Three Mediterranean Crops

“…In the European Union, standardizations have been proposed for producing biochar with specific and regulated characteristics for each type of application. Some European Union countries have established national regulations and regulatory procedures for its use as a soil fertilizer and may request its registration for use in agriculture [64][65][66][67].…”

“…In the European Union, measures for biochar standardization have also been implemented, including certifications such as European Biochar Certificate (EBC), Biochar Quality Mandate (BQM), and International Biochar Initiative (IBI-BS). These certifications aim at providing standard values for the safe use of biochar with a certified quality in agriculture, disregarding other biochar applications [64][65][66][67]. The most important parameters included in these certifications are outlined in Table 7.…”

One-pot synthesis of biomass-derived porous carbons for multipurpose energy applications

“…However, high ash content may adversely affect the development of surface and pore structures. 53,54 The microwave-assisted activation of various biomass, characteristics of microwave heating, main activation parameters, research developments and challenges of activated carbon production under microwave irradiation were concluded in the review, 37 where activated carbons prepared from biomass using microwave irradiation and conventional activation were compared in detail.…”

Biochar: A Sustainable Alternative in the Development of Electrochemical Printed Platforms

“…[40]. As for the biochemical conversion processes, different technologies such as carbonization, gasification, or pyrolysis are usually used for the thermal decomposition of feedstock, thus producing biochar, gases and oil [41,42]. Concerning biochar, it is produced from the pyrolysis (200-900 • C) of waste feedstock in the absence of oxygen and its chemical (i.e., adsorption capacity, etc.)…”