Char and biochar production: technology, applications, and major challenges

• Published in: Char-based Composites: Production, Characterization, Limitations, and Emerging Applications
• Main Author: Alias A.B.; Wan Azlina W.A.K.G.
• Format: Book chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2024
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85209013271&doi=10.1016%2fB978-0-443-15403-4.00002-2&partnerID=40&md5=9f660729a312bf7b7e1278aec00dfae0

This chapter is intended to provide a review of the available char and biochar production systems, focusing on optimal technologies, applications, and current limitations in the industrial sector to produce biochar from biomass. Char and biochar are carbon-rich materials derived from biomass through pyrolysis, a process that involves heating biomass in the absence of oxygen. Various production methods for biochar exist, including batch-type (slow) pyrolyzers and continuous-type (fast) pyrolyzers. Among these, popular technologies include mold kilns, drum-type pyrolyzers, screw-type pyrolyzers, rotary kilns, biochar microwave carbonizer, and many others. The advantages and disadvantages of different char production systems will be introduced and compared in this chapter, which help the readers to have a better understanding of the working principle of each method. The advantages and disadvantages of each technology are examined, with a particular emphasis on efficiency, product yield, and environmental impact. Furthermore, this chapter explores the diverse applications of char and biochar in the industrial sector. These applications include soil amendment in agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy generation, water treatment, and as a precursor for activated carbon production. The potential benefits and challenges associated with each application are discussed, highlighting the importance of optimizing char and biochar characteristics to meet specific industrial requirements. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.