Actual Trends in the Usability of Biochar as a High-Value Product of Biomass Obtained through Pyrolysis

Abstract

This review comprehensively examines biochar, an essential material in an era of climate change for reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions into the atmosphere. It is inconspicuous, black, lightweight, and very porous, and is produced through the thermal conversion of biomass. Our literature review highlights biochar’s expansive application possibilities. Firstly, its potential to improve soil quality and sequester CO2 has been examined, as well as its utilization in iron and steel manufacturing to minimize the quantity of coke and ultimately reduce CO2 emissions. In industrial manufacturing, the complete elimination of coke can promote environmental neutrality, which is achieved using biochar from biomass for its extrusion. Furthermore, biochar is becoming increasingly significant in modern energy storage technologies and as an important additive in Pickering emulsions, which are also employed in energy storage systems. Additionally, the use of carbon black is a broad topic, and this review illustrates where it can be successfully utilized, especially in environmentally sensitive areas.

A review on thermochemical based biorefinery catalyst development progress

“…The summary of gasifiers with different capacities, which were developed in the past few years[131][132][133][134][135][136][137][138][139][140][141] …”

Impact of temperature and residence time on sewage sludge pyrolysis for combined carbon sequestration and energy production

“…Pyrolysis, among other processes [ 143 ], was also reported to destroy the DNA and accordingly eliminate antibiotic resistance genes and mobile genetic elements present in feedstock and consequently no impact is expected neither on the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes nor on microbial community in soils amended with biochar [ 144 ].Sludge pyrolysis at high temperatures is favorable since produced biochar has more stable organic matter structure compared with biochar produced at lower temperatures [ 145 ]. Biochar application to soil was also reported to enhance mineral content (ash content), which can provide significant agronomic benefits [ 146 ].…”

Possibilities of RDF Pyrolysis Products Utilization in the Face of the Energy Crisis

“…In underdeveloped nations, the practise of pre-treating trash is typically not observed in the context of incineration, as untreated municipal waste is commonly utilised as a primary input. Tables 3-6 in the cited literature [9,[41][42][43][44] provide a comprehensive analysis and comparison of the various approaches employed for the thermal conversion of waste. Without a doubt, combustion is the prevailing mechanism of thermal conversion [45].…”

“…Today, both Polish and global heavy industry (including the power generation sector) is characterized by high energy intensity, in addition to high pollutant emissions [42]. Given that improving energy efficiency is one of the priorities of the EU's energy policy, particular emphasis is placed on all forms of fuel and energy saving [61].…”

“…Oil produced by RDF pyrolysis can be a good base for the production of substances such as styrene, benzene, toluene, xylenes (BTX) and naphthalene derivatives [24,60,[69][70][71]. Biochar, which is a solid carbonized product of thermochemical conversion of municipal waste, is currently a popular alternative to expensive activated carbon due to its properties, especially in adsorption applications [42]. At the same time, this solid product from the pyrolysis of municipal waste can be a valuable fuel due to its relatively high calorific value (18-30 MJ/kg) (Figure 10) [42,78].…”