Biochars and their derivatives for removal of various types of impurities from aqueous solutions

Abstract

Lately, there have been published numerous papers on application of biochar for removal of impurities from aqueous solutions. This is possible due to its favourable physicochemical properties such as large specific surface area, the presence of active functional groups and porous structure. Moreover, suitable conditions of the process (temperature, time of biomass stay in the reactor and heating rate) allow to control properties of the obtained biochar. Of significant importance is also the kind of raw material subjected to pyrolysis as towards it biochar has a homogeneous composition. In this paper, raw materials and methods used for biochar production, factors affecting its properties, application of biochar for removal of impurities from aqueous solutions taking into account magnetic molecules, chitosan and alginate modified biochar derivatives were compared.