Co-pyrolysis of lignocellulosic and macroalgae biomasses for the production of biochar - A review

Biochar properties are significantly influenced and controlled by biomass feedstock type and pyrolysis operating conditions, and the development of multiple biochar properties for various applications has necessitated the need for blending different feedstocks together. Co-pyrolysis as a potential technology has been proposed to improve the overall performance of biomass pyrolysis and has proved effective in improving biochar properties. Consequently, the combination of lignocellulosic and macroalgae biomasses has been targeted for biochar production and improvement of biochar properties through co-pyrolysis. This paper therefore presents a critical review of biochar production from co-pyrolysis of lignocellulosic and macroalgae biomass (CLMB). It discusses the biomass feedstock selection, characterization, pre-processing and suitability for thermal processing; and analyzes biochar production, characterization and reactor technologies for CLMB. Furthermore, the potential and economic viability of biochar production system from CLMB are highlighted; and finally, the current state and future directions of biochar production from CLMB are extensively discussed.