An overview on engineering the surface area and porosity of biochar

Surface area and porosity are important physical properties of biochar, playing a crucial role in many biochar applications, such as wastewater treatment and soil remediation. The production of engineered biochar with highly porous structure and large surface area has received extensive attention. This paper comprehensively reviewed the effects of biomass and pyrolysis parameters on the surface area and porosity of biochar. The composition of biomass feedstock and pyrolysis temperature are the major influencing factors. It is suggested that the lignocellulosic biomass is an outstanding candidate, wood and woody biomass in particular. Besides, moderate temperatures (400-700 degrees C) are suitable for the development of the pore structure. Further improvement can be implemented by additional treatments. Activation is the most widely used and effective way to promote biochar surface area and porosity, especially the chemical activation. Enhancement can also be achieved by using other treatment methods, such as carbonaceous materials coating, ball milling, and templating. Future research should focus on upgrading or developing treatment technology to achieve enhanced functionality and porous structure of biochar simultaneously. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Surface area and porosity are crucial physical properties of biochar that significantly impact its applications, with biomass composition and pyrolysis temperature being major influencing factors. Activation, particularly through chemical means, is the most effective way to enhance biochar surface area and porosity, while other treatment methods like carbonaceous materials coating and ball milling can also contribute to improvement. Future research should focus on developing treatment technologies to simultaneously enhance the functionality and porous structure of biochar.