Review
Environmental Sciences
Lijun Yang, Chenghu Liang, Fei Shen, Mao Hu, Wenkun Zhu, Lichun Dai
Summary: This review focuses on the development and application of lanthanum-engineered biochar (LEB) in environmental applications, highlighting the preparation processes, dominant lanthanum species, and adsorption capabilities of LEB. LEBs are prepared through pre-/post-doping methods, involving precipitation, gelation, and calcination. The dominant lanthanum species in LEBs is La(OH)3, formed through precipitation of La ions with various bases. LEBs exhibit high efficiency in the adsorption of phosphate, arsenic, antimonate, and fluoride ions, attributed to the strong affinity of lanthanum to oxyanions and Lewis hard base.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dilipkumar Akhil, Divya Lakshmi, Ashokkumar Kartik, Dai-Viet N. Vo, Jayaseelan Arun, Kannappan Panachamoorthy Gopinath
Summary: Engineering modifications improve the adsorption capacity, surface area, and chemical attributes of biochar, enhancing the efficiency of contaminant removal. Engineered biochar displays high adsorption capabilities and stability, making it suitable for contaminant recovery from water systems.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Xiangzhou Yuan, Yafei Shen, Piumi Amasha Withana, Ondrej Masek, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Siming You, Filip M. G. Tack, Yong Sik Ok
Summary: Environmental issues caused by food waste are significant for human well-being and ecosystem health. This study provides a review of recent advancements in converting food waste into engineered biochar through thermochemical conversion. The synthesis routes and practical applications of food waste-derived biochar are also discussed. Engineered biochar shows promise in mitigating environmental pollution and addressing energy crisis. However, further research is needed to understand the relationship between biochar properties and specific applications, and assessments of environmental benefits and economic feasibility are necessary before industrial implementation.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Jianhua Qu, Jiajia Shi, Yihui Wang, Hua Tong, Yujiao Zhu, Lishu Xu, Yifan Wang, Bo Zhang, Yue Tao, Xiao Dai, Hui Zhang, Ying Zhang
Summary: The synthesis methods of magnetic biochar (MBC) and its adsorption mechanisms for pollutants are comprehensively reviewed in this paper. Various modification methods for MBC, such as functional groups grafting, nanoparticles loading, and element doping, are discussed. The applications of modified MBC for removing hazardous contaminants and the influencing conditions are also investigated. Constructive suggestions for the practical applications of MBC in the future are provided.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
R. Sivaranjanee, P. Senthil Kumar, Gayathri Rangasamy
Summary: Water contamination is a major environmental concern, and there is growing interest in using biochar produced from slow pyrolysis of biomass to remove contaminants from wastewater. Hydrochars, produced through hydrothermal processes, have shown promise as adsorbents for wastewater treatment due to their high efficiency and ability to regenerate. This review focuses on the formation, activation, identification, and applications of biochar and hydrochar, highlighting their distinct physiochemical properties and potential uses in pollution remediation, soil improvement, greenhouse gas emission, and carbon sequestration.
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Hui Zhu, Qing An, Amirah Syafika Mohd Nasir, Alexandre Babin, Sofia Lucero Saucedo, Amzy Vallenas, Loretta Li, Susan Anne Baldwin, Anthony Lau, Xiaotao Bi
Summary: This article reviewed the emerging applications of biochar in removing contaminants and mine remediation, and proposed methods to increase biochar production and improve its surface properties through customized pyrolysis treatments.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
V. Karthik, P. Senthil Kumar, Dai-Viet N. Vo, J. Sindhu, D. Sneka, B. Subhashini, K. Saravanan, J. Jeyanthi
Summary: Climate change and pollution caused by fossil fuel consumption are driving the need for alternative, renewable organic products in the future circular economy. Biochar, a versatile material produced from biomass like algae, plants, and organic waste through pyrolysis, hydrothermal liquefaction, and gasification, shows great potential as a fertilizer for plant growth.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Divya Monga, Nagaraj P. Shetti, Soumen Basu, Kakarla Raghava Reddy, Michael Badawi, Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet, Tejraj M. Aminabhavi
Summary: The accelerated urbanization and industrialization worldwide has increased pollution and posed environmental risks to public health and ecosystems. Biochar has emerged as a viable and cost-effective solution for detoxification, and this review emphasizes its crucial role in removing toxic emerging pollutants. The review covers the synthesis and applications of engineered biochars, discussing their properties and interaction mechanisms with pollutants. The versatility of biochar and its composites in adsorption, photocatalysis, and oxidation processes in aquatic environments is also highlighted. Prospective research directions and opportunities in biochar research are discussed.
Review
Environmental Sciences
A. Saravanan, P. Senthil Kumar
Summary: Biochar is a solid material produced from organic biomass and has unique characteristics that make it suitable for power generation and wastewater treatment. Recent research has focused on its ability to remove toxic heavy metals, as it is readily available and environmentally friendly. This review examines the electrochemical properties of biochar and its potential as a sensing platform and electrode for electrochemical biosensors. Various synthesis methods and applications of biochar for the remediation of heavy metals are discussed.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Insha Wani, Sudipta Ramola, Ankit Garg, Vinod Kushvaha
Summary: Biochar has shown widespread benefits in various fields, but its application in geoengineering, specifically in soil stabilization, still faces challenges such as limited production and application scale, contradictory observations on its effects, and lack of clear information on factors like cost-effectiveness and long-term efficiency. Further research is needed to address these gaps and optimize biochar's utilization in green engineering infrastructure.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Asha Singh, Rozi Sharma, Deepak Pant, Piyush Malaviya
Summary: Biochar, derived from carbon-rich biomass through pyrolysis in an oxygen-limited environment, plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration, soil fertility enhancement, and environmental remediation. Engineered biochars have emerged by modifying the surface properties of pristine biochar to improve its adsorption capacity. Researchers have increasingly focused on low-cost biomass sources, with algal biomass showing significant promise for biochar fabrication.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Kamyar Shirvanimoghaddam, Bozena Czech, Sara Abdikheibari, Graham Brodie, Magdalena Konczak, Agnieszka Krzyszczak, Amani Al-Othman, Minoo Naebe
Summary: This paper discusses the principles and applications of microwave assisted pyrolysis, as well as the adsorption properties and other applications of biochar. The paper concludes that further research and optimization are needed for the development of microwave assisted pyrolysis biochar, but it has the potential to be a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and tunable material for various applications.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL AND APPLIED PYROLYSIS
(2022)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Silvia Escudero-Curiel, Alba Giraldez, Marta Pazos, Angeles Sanroman
Summary: Agri-food residues and by-products are recognized as valuable products that can be used in other industries, such as environmental remediation. These materials, transformed into biochar and hydrochar through engineering techniques, have substantial potential as versatile adsorbents in wastewater treatment and promising alternatives in various environmental and energy-related applications. This sustainable approach provides cost-effective and satisfactory solutions, addressing environmental concerns and paving the way for a more eco-friendly and resource-efficient future.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Md Manik Mian, Nur Alam, Md Sohel Ahommed, Zhibin He, Yonghao Ni
Summary: This review systematically summarized the latest research on carbon-based catalysts, including synthesis routes, physicochemical properties, and applications in AOPs and ESDs. It also provided scientific insight into various catalytic mechanisms and highlighted the challenges and prospects of this emerging field.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Ruohan Zhao, Bing Wang, Benny K. G. Theng, Pan Wu, Fang Liu, Xinqing Lee, Miao Chen, Jing Sun
Summary: The utilization of industrial solid waste resources has attracted global attention. Composites of biochar with metal-containing solid wastes can enhance adsorption performance and reduce modification costs. Different metal-containing solid wastes may lead to composites with varied physicochemical properties and adsorption mechanisms, requiring further research for comprehensive understanding.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Editorial Material
Energy & Fuels
Manuel Garcia-Perez, Karthikeyan K. Ramasamy
Review
Energy & Fuels
Iva J. Tews, Manuel Garcia-Perez
Summary: This review examines advanced oxidative techniques, including wet oxidation and catalytic wet oxidation, for treatment of primary aqueous effluents from hydrothermal liquefaction and pyrolysis of biomass. The focus is on the treatment of phenols and carboxylic acids, as well as the fundamental aspects of reaction systems and oxidation mechanisms involved in these processes. Advanced wet oxidation processes are shown to be effective in removing contaminants from thermochemical aqueous phase products.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ruben Jerves, Vikram Yadama, Matthew Aro, Manuel Raul Pelaez-Samaniego
Summary: Thin-strand composite panels and mass timber beams were successfully produced using thermally modified wood strands, which showed improved dimensional stability and decay resistance. The effects of thermal modification temperature and dwell time on the panels' mechanical properties, moisture performance, and decay resistance were studied. The thin-strand composites were evaluated and compared with commercially available structural products, while the out-of-plane bending of mass timber beams was accurately predicted using laminated beam theory.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Anamaria Paiva Pinheiro Pires, Manuel Garcia-Perez, Mariefel V. Olarte, William Kew, Andrew Schmidt, Kevin Zemaitis, Melba Denson, Evan Terrell, Armando McDonald, Yinglei Han
Summary: Although significant differences exist in thermal stability and hydrotreatment behavior of hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) and pyrolysis oils, little is known about the variations in chemical composition that could explain these differences. In this study, two commercial softwood pyrolysis oils and their water-soluble and water-insoluble fractions were compared with the aqueous and oily fractions from HTL of Douglas-fir. The analysis showed that the water-soluble phases contained mainly oxygenated compounds derived from cellulose and hemicellulose, while water-insoluble phases were dominated by phenols. However, the differences in molecular weight and chemical makeup between pyrolysis and HTL oils were not significant enough to justify the observed differences in hydrotreatment behavior reported in the literature.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Melba Domes Denson, Evan Terrell, Pavlo Kostetskyy, Mariefel Olarte, Linda Broadbelt, Manuel Garcia-Perez
Summary: Electronic structure calculations were used to evaluate the thermodynamic stabilities of oligomers formed during cellulose pyrolysis. The results showed that water molecules were eliminated preferentially from the non-reducing end, forming thermodynamically more stable conjugated compounds. Understanding the chemical structure of these compounds could help mitigate coke formation during bio-oil refining.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Raiza Manrique, Evan Terrell, Pavlo Kostetskyy, Farid Chejne, Mariefel Olarte, Linda Broadbelt, Manuel Garcia-Perez
Summary: This study evaluates the impact of the positions and bonding of guaiacyl (G) and syringyl (S) units in a hardwood lignin model on the oligomer structures. Dimer, trimer, and tetramer structures are proposed. The study suggests that homolytic cleavage of β-O-4 bonds can generate free radical fragments that can stabilize by combining with hydrogen radicals. Alternatively, intramolecular hydrogen bonding can stabilize the radicals. The calculated thermophysical properties and spectroscopic evaluation provide insights into the formation of lignin oligomers, which are valuable for the development of pyrolysis oil separation and upgrading equipment.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Kyleigh Rhodes, Manuel Raul Pelaez-Samaniego, Alper Kiziltas, Jim Preston, Mohammad Meysami, Andrew Geda, Vikram Yadama
Summary: The growing concern over climate change and waste pollution has led to a shift towards environmentally friendly materials in products. The automotive industry is exploring alternatives to glass fibers, focusing on the interactions and mechanical properties of biocomposites made with basalt fiber and hemp hurd particle fiber reinforced polypropylene. The addition of a coupling agent improved the performance and interactions in the biocomposite blends, although glass fibers still outperformed in strength. Rheometer analysis showed that basalt composites had lower viscosity than the glass fiber composite, indicating easier processing conditions.
JOURNAL OF THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITE MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Kalidas Mainali, Sohrab Haghighi Mood, Manuel Raul Pelaez-Samaniego, Valentina Sierra-Jimenez, Manuel Garcia-Perez
Summary: N-doped and metal-N-doped carbons are being widely studied for environmental and electronic applications. This paper reviews the synthesis processes and activation strategies to produce N-doped carbons from biomass resources and discusses their uses. Pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization are promising methods to obtain environmentally friendly N-doped carbonaceous materials with tailored properties. The role of Maillard reactions in integrating N into carbonaceous products' structure is also discussed.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Melba Domes Denson, Evan Terell, Pavlo Kostetskyy, Linda Broadbelt, Mariefel Olarte, Manuel Garcia-Perez
Summary: The Clemmensen reduction is a widely studied example of deoxygenation reaction in the field of organic chemistry. The use of trimethylchlorosilane as a substitute for concentrated hydrochloric acid allows for the reduction of carbonyl groups. Undergraduates perform the Clemmensen reduction experiment for project-based learning, evaluating the influence of different factors on the modified reaction using various substrates.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Carlos Martinez-Smit, Farid Chejne, Manuel Garcia-Perez
Summary: This paper investigates the use of acid impregnation on biomass to reduce the formation temperature of small polyaromatic rings and explores the synthesis of secondary carbons from acid-treated biomass. The results show that acid treatment can increase the yield of biochar and polyaromatic compounds, which can be used as a carbon source for the production of carbon nanostructures. This method optimizes the utilization of biomass resources and aligns with the principles of a circular economy.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL AND APPLIED PYROLYSIS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Kyleigh Rhodes, Thomas Jobson, Manuel Raul Pelaez-Samaniego, Vikram Yadama
Summary: In recent years, the new car smell has been found to be related to the release of toxic VOCs from materials used in vehicles. This research aimed to analyze the VOC emissions from different types of automotive panels under various conditions. The results showed that the concentrations of VOCs increased with temperature and decreased in the presence of UV radiation. The major compounds detected were acetaldehyde, acetone, and various alkanes. Overall, the concentrations detected were below recommended standards and limits.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kalidas Mainali, Sohrab Haghighi Mood, Shulin Chen, Manuel Garcia-Perez
Summary: Wet oxidation is an effective method for pretreating complex biomass, but its application for treating solid waste like dairy manure is limited. This study investigates the use of partial wet oxidation to convert dairy manure into low molecular weight carboxylic acids. It focuses on sub-critical wet oxidation as a conversion/pretreatment process to release matter from the lignocellulosic fraction. The results provide insights into improving biochemical conversion yield in pretreating dairy manure.
WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Tsai Garcia-Perez, Juvenal Alejandro Ortiz-Ulloa, Lourdes E. Jara-Cobos, Manuel Raul Pelaez-Samaniego
Summary: Sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA), a byproduct of sugarcane mills, has the potential to be used for removing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from biogas. SCBA's breakthrough time is similar to activated carbon, making it a cost-effective alternative for biogas scrubbing. Additionally, S-enriched SCBA is expected to have beneficial effects on soil.
Article
Microbiology
Katherine Quinn, Sohrab Haghighi Mood, Elizabeth Cervantes, Manuel Garcia Perez, Nehal I. Abu-Lail
Summary: This study investigates the interaction between biochar and bacterial pathogens using experiments and models. The results show that biochar can adsorb and reduce the transport of bacteria in sandy media. These findings are important for designing effective biofilters to address bacterial contamination issues in polluted water sources.
MICROBIOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Valentina Sierra-Jimenez, Jonathan P. Mathews, Farid Chejne, Anthony Dufour, Manuel Garcia-Perez
Summary: This paper explores the utility of large-scale atomistic models to examine the complex relationship between biochar behavior, its structural characteristics, and the reactions involved in its formation. It suggests that a molecular-level perspective is necessary to understand the transformation of lignocellulosic macromolecules into carbonaceous structures and overcome the limitations of existing models focusing on small volatiles and aromatic structures.