Engineered Biochar as a Catalyst

Abstract

Biochar is a carbonaceous material obtained by thermochemical treatment of biomass. Preparation of biochar for a specific application can be done by changing its physicochemical properties via different modification strategies and selection of raw materials. Biochar is now being developed as an alternative catalyst with many applications, including environmental remediation and energy generation, aiming to substitute conventional catalysts. Biochar is cheaper, has a lower risk of leaching and a wide range of functional groups. Pristine biochar without any previous modification often has limitations for its catalytic potential in terms of its lower surface area, porosity, mineral components, and functional groups. These properties can be enhanced by themodification of biochar via different methods. This chapter discusses the use of modified biochars as catalysts for environmental remediation, viz. advanced oxidation processes, photocatalysis, and energy generation, viz. biogas, biofuel, and syngas.