Biochar : Emerging Applications

This reference text covers the latest developments in biochar materials research, a field which is becoming increasingly popular due to the potential of biochar to replace carbon materials derived from non-renewable sources. Emerging and innovative applications of biochar materials are discussed, and all aspects of the field are covered, from production to applications, including details on the techniques used. There is a particular focus on biochar as a material for composites and sensors. This is the first book to cover emerging applications of biochar as an innovative, versatile, carbon-based renewable material, beyond its traditional uses in agriculture. It is a valuable reference for all researchers in the fields of biochar and carbon materials, including industry practitioners. Key Features  The first book to cover emerging applications for biochar as an innovative, versatile, carbon-based renewable material, beyond its traditional uses in agriculture Provides comprehensive coverage of emerging and innovative applications for biochar materials, from production to applications, including techniques Focus on biochar as a material for composites and sensors Valuable for all researchers in the fields of biochar and carbon materials PRELIMS.pdf Preface Acknowledgements Editor biographies Alberto Tagliaferro Carlo Rosso Mauro Giorcelli List of contributors CH001.pdf Chapter 1 Introduction to the biochar world with a focus on new possible applications 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Biochar properties 1.3 Products and markets 1.4 Forms of biochar 1.5 Methods to apply biochar 1.6 Production 1.7 New applications 1.8 Summary Organizations References CH002.pdf Chapter 2 Controlling the conversion of biomass to biochar 2.1 Thermal decomposition of biomass undergoing pyrolysis 2.2 Pyrolysis operating conditions affecting the electrical, mechanical, and adsorption properties of biochar 2.2.1 Physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of biochar as a filler in composites 2.2.2 The physical and chemical properties of biochar involved in adsorption mechanisms 2.2.3 The effect of operating variables on lignocellulosic biomass derived biochar 2.3 The effect of feedstock composition on biochar properties 2.3.1 Biochar from raw vegetal biomass 2.3.2 Toxicity issues related to the presence of organic and inorganic contaminants in biochar from phytoremediation activities 2.3.3 Biochar from residues of biological and biochemical treatments of biomass 2.4 Can biomass properties be altered to control biochar properties? 2.4.1 Biomass doping for enhanced biochar production 2.4.2 Mechanical pre-treatment of biomass 2.5 Predictive approaches for biochar properties: current trends and perspectives Acknowledgements References CH003.pdf Chapter 3 Large scale biochar production and activation 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Slow pyrolysis 3.2.1 Kilns 3.2.2 Retorts 3.2.3 Converters 3.3 Hydrothermal carbonization 3.4 Activated carbon production 3.4.1 Rotary kilns 3.4.2 Multiple hearth furnaces 3.4.3 Fluidized beds 3.5 Conclusions References CH004.pdf Chapter 4 Microwave heating‐assisted pyrolysis of biomass for biochar production 4.1 Microwave fundamentals 4.2 The main parameters to describe microwave heating 4.3 Microwave-assisted pyrolysis of biomass and waste 4.4 The effects of microwaves on biochar properties 4.5 Applications of biochar from microwave pyrolysis 4.5.1 Wastewater treatment 4.5.2 Agricultural sector 4.5.3 Gas adsorption 4.6 Conclusions References CH005.pdf Chapter 5 Biochar characterization methods 5.1 Introduction 5.1.1 Sampling 5.1.2 General sample preparation for analysis 5.2 Biochar compositional analysis 5.2.1 Elemental (CHNSO) analysis 5.2.2 ICP-OES/MS 5.2.3 X-ray fluorescence 5.2.4 XAS (XANES and EXAFS) 5.2.5 XPS 5.3 Structural characterization of biochar 5.3.1 X-ray μ-tomography 5.3.2 Electron microscopy (SEM/EDX) 5.3.3 Surface area 5.3.4 Raman spectroscopy 5.3.5 X-ray diffraction (XRD) 5.4 Biochar stability 5.4.1 Elemental ratios (O/C and H/C) 5.4.2 TGA-based methods (proximate analysis and R50 index) 5.4.3 Edinburgh stability tool 5.4.4 Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy 5.5 Other key biochar characteristics 5.5.1 Electrical and electrochemical properties 5.5.2 pH 5.5.3 Surface functional groups (FTIR) 5.5.4 Magnetic properties 5.6 Conclusions References CH006.pdf Chapter 6 Cellulose nanocrystals as natural feedstocks for advanced carbon materials 6.1 Cellulose nanocrystals: production and properties 6.2 Cellulose nanocrystals as the feedstock for new carbonaceous materials 6.3 Perspectives on the cellulose nanocrystals and related carbon materials References CH007.pdf Chapter 7 Biochar-based circular economy 7.1 A circular economy based on bio-waste recycling and recovery 7.2 Biochar as part of a circular economy 7.3 Waste recycling through biochar production and utilization 7.4 Upcycling of residues via biochar as an additive in construction materials 7.5 Cascade/sequential uses of biochar 7.6 Beyond technologies 7.6.1 Enabling policies to accelerate the development of biochar 7.6.2 Developing biochar within an industrial symbiotic network 7.7 Conclusions References CH008.pdf Chapter 8 Shielding effectiveness of biochar composites at microwave frequency 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Transmission, reflection, and absorption 8.3 Waveguide method for transmission reflection evaluation 8.3.1 Sample fabrication 8.4 Conclusions Acknowledgements References CH009.pdf Chapter 9 Flame retardant polymer systems containing biochar: current state-of-the-art and perspectives 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Flame retarded systems containing biochar 9.3 Conclusions and perspectives References CH010.pdf Chapter 10 Review of biochar as a sustainable mortar admixture and evaluation of its potential as coating for PVA fibers in mortar 10.1 Introduction—the need to improve the fiber reinforcement of cementitious composites 10.2 A review of the state-of-the-art of biochar as a supplementary admixture in cementitious composites 10.2.1 Biochar as an additive in cementitious composites 10.2.2 Biochar as a supplement for self-healing concrete 10.2.3 The role of biochar to modify carbonation potential and enhance the performance of recycled aggregate concrete 10.2.4 Biochar as an additive in concrete and lightweight mortar subjected to elevated temperature 10.2.5 Biochar based coating for polymer fibers to improve the strength of fiber-reinforced mortar 10.3 Materials and methods 10.4 Results and analyses 10.4.1 Characterization of biochar 10.4.2 Mechanical characterization and influence on mechanical properties 10.4.3 Influence on permeability 10.5 Conclusions References CH011.pdf Chapter 11 Biochar addition to inorganic binders 11.1 Introduction 11.2 Electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness 11.3 Internal curing ability 11.4 Cargo for self-healing cementitious materials 11.5 Carbon sink 11.6 Patents: an updated survey 11.7 Conclusions References CH012.pdf Chapter 12 Insight into the mechanical performance of biochar containing reinforced plastics 12.1 Towards non-conventional carbonaceous fillers: biochar as a potential resource for the production of reinforced plastics 12.2 Bulk properties of biochar containing reinforced plastics 12.3 Surface properties of biochar containing reinforced plastics 12.4 Future challenges: a perspective on the uses of biochar for advanced mechanical applications References CH013.pdf Chapter 13 Sensing properties of biochar 13.1 Introduction 13.2 Sensor optimization 13.3 Biochar as a humidity sensor 13.4 Biochar in electrochemical sensing applications—electrode modifier 13.5 Biochar in electrochemical sensing applications—heavy metals detection 13.6 Biochar in electrochemical sensing applications—organic compounds 13.7 Conclusions References CH014.pdf Chapter 14 Monolithic wood biochar properties and supercapacitor performance relationships 14.1 Introduction 14.2 Experimental details 14.2.1 Biochar electrode preparation and characterization 14.2.2 Electrode performance in a supercapacitor 14.3 Results and discussion 14.3.1 Relationships between biochar physical properties 14.3.2 Dependence of supercapacitor performance on biochar properties 14.4 Conclusions References CH015.pdf Chapter 15 Applications of biochar in gas/water purification and in contaminated soil remediation 15.1 Biochar as an adsorbent 15.1.1 Biochar in gas adsorption 15.1.2 Biochar in liquid adsorption 15.2 Biochar soil remediation 15.2.1 Inorganic pollutants/resources 15.2.2 Organic pollutants 15.3 Summary and conclusions References CH016.pdf Chapter 16 Applications of biochar catalysts 16.1 Introduction 16.2 Biochar properties 16.2.1 The role of biochar morphology in catalytic activity 16.2.2 The role of biochar composition in catalytic activity 16.2.3 Role of surface functionalities in catalytic activity 16.3 Modified biochar catalysts 16.3.1 Biochar as a catalyst support 16.3.2 Activation and functionalization of biochar catalysts 16.4 Applications for biochar catalysts 16.4.1 Tar removal 16.4.2 Biodiesel production 16.4.3 NOx removal 16.4.4 Electrochemical applications 16.4.5 Bio-oil upgrading and biomass hydrolysis 16.5 Conclusions and outlook References