Biochar production and its utilization in sustainable energy applications

The ever-increasing global demand for energy and consumption of fossil fuels is causing serious problems in terms of energy security and climate change. Growing global concerns about these issues have accelerated the search for renewable and affordable alternative resources that enable sustainable development. In this context, biomass, which consists of renewable organic materials, stands out as a potential source for sustainable energy production. Biochar (BCH) is a porous, high-carbon material produced by the thermochemical conversion (pyrolysis) of biomass at temperatures between 300 and 900 °C in an oxygen-free or oxygen-limited environment. The efficiency of BCH production, which is carried out using various production technologies, generally depends on the type of biomass feedstock used, its moisture content, and operating conditions. BCH possesses unique chemical (high pH, carbon retention, cation exchange capacity, surface functionality) and physical (high porosity, water retention capacity, surface area and surface charge) properties. Consequently, it is used in mitigating climate change (reducing CO2 and CH4 emissions), promoting environmental sustainability, enhancing agricultural productivity, and facilitating carbon sequestration in soil. It also plays a significant role in improving soil quality to increase plant and overall crop yields. Additionally, it stands out as an effective catalyst support material in energy storage systems, particularly in thermochemical, photocatalytic, electrocatalytic processes, and hydrogen production via natural gas steam reforming. As a result, BCH contributes to environmental sustainability and offers a cost-effective solution for energy technologies thanks to its carbon-negative properties and versatile use.