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Review
. 2021 Nov 30;2(2):115-127.
doi: 10.1021/acsenvironau.1c00032. eCollection 2022 Mar 16.

Functional Biochar and Its Balanced Design

Peng Zhang  1 , Wenyan Duan  1 , Hongbo Peng  1   2 , Bo Pan  1 , Baoshan Xing  3
Affiliations
Review

Functional Biochar and Its Balanced Design

Peng Zhang et al. ACS Environ Au. .

Abstract

Biochar has attracted increasing research attention. Various modification methods have been proposed to enhance a certain biochar function. However, these modifications may also result in an unstable structure, additional energy consumption, secondary pollution, and/or extra cost. Balanced consideration of different aspects will ensure the sustainable development of biochar technology. This review first summarizes the most commonly used methods for biochar modification. These methods are categorized according to the purposes of modification, such as surface area enlargement, persistent free radical manipulation, magnetism introduction, and redox potential enhancement. More importantly, a systematic analysis and discussion are provided regarding the balanced consideration of biochar designs, such as the balance between effectiveness and stability, functions and risks, as well as effectiveness and cost. Then, perspectives regarding biochar modification are presented. This review calls for attention that biochar modifications should not be evaluated for their functions only. A balanced design of biochars will ensure both the practicability and the effectiveness of this technology.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing financial interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Different PFR manipulation methods that have been summarized in this Review.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Biochar carbon structure stability as affected by modification. Biochar structures can be less stable after modification.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Diagram of potential risks from MBCs. The risks of MBCs should be evaluated in their different manufacturing and application stages.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Balanced consideration of biochar modification. Yield decreases while cost and effectiveness increase with biochar modification. It is suggested that investigators design and produce biochars with low cost, high yield, and effectiveness.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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