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Applied Sciences
Volume 15
Issue 23
10.3390/app152312589
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Review

Paradigm Shift in Bioenergy: Addressing the System of Biomass Wastage and Environmental Pollution with Biomaterial Valorisation into Biochar

by
Chiugo Claret Aduba
1,2,
Johnson Kalu Ndukwe
2,3,
Kenechi Onyejiaka Chukwu
2,
Evelyn Chizoba Sam
1,2,
Adline Eberechukwu Ani
1,
Helen Onyeaka
4 and
Ogueri Nwaiwu
4,*
1
Science Laboratory Technology (Microbiology Unit), University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria
2
Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria
3
UNESCO International Centre for Biotechnology, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria
4
School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(23), 12589; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152312589
Submission received: 7 October 2025 / Revised: 17 November 2025 / Accepted: 20 November 2025 / Published: 27 November 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Unlocking the Potential of Agri-Food Waste for Innovative Applications and Bio-Based Materials, 2nd Edition)
Review Reports Versions Notes

Abstract

The universal need for sustainable and renewable energy sources has accelerated the shift towards bioenergy as a valuable option to fossil fuels. However, a significant challenge remains in the underutilisation of biomass resources and the environmental pollution caused by improper biomass disposal methods. Biochar, a by-product of biomass pyrolysis rich with carbon, serves as a means to convert underused biomass into valuable energy and a tool for environmental remediation. Biochar can be integrated into a biorefinery for improved bioelectricity and biogas production, but there are challenges with regard to its production scalability, quality control, and standardisation. This article provides a comprehensive review of the prospective processes useful in the valorisation of biomass into biochar for bioenergy, co-firing potential with fossil fuels, and in waste biomass transformation. This article also provides insight into business development and policy-making by bioentrepreneurs, bioengineers, and the government, as it identifies grey opportunities for bioenergy production and improvement. The prospect of AI technology in improving the production, quality, and yield of biochar, by identifying the most efficient parameters and conditions, as well as optimising the application of biochar in various industries, is also highlighted. The transition to biofuels in aviation, a step towards a future in the industry that is more sustainable, is also suggested in this review.
Keywords: biochar; bioenergy; valorisation; environmental pollution; biomaterial biochar; bioenergy; valorisation; environmental pollution; biomaterial

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Aduba, C.C.; Ndukwe, J.K.; Chukwu, K.O.; Sam, E.C.; Ani, A.E.; Onyeaka, H.; Nwaiwu, O. Paradigm Shift in Bioenergy: Addressing the System of Biomass Wastage and Environmental Pollution with Biomaterial Valorisation into Biochar. Appl. Sci. 2025, 15, 12589. https://doi.org/10.3390/app152312589

AMA Style

Aduba CC, Ndukwe JK, Chukwu KO, Sam EC, Ani AE, Onyeaka H, Nwaiwu O. Paradigm Shift in Bioenergy: Addressing the System of Biomass Wastage and Environmental Pollution with Biomaterial Valorisation into Biochar. Applied Sciences. 2025; 15(23):12589. https://doi.org/10.3390/app152312589

Chicago/Turabian Style

Aduba, Chiugo Claret, Johnson Kalu Ndukwe, Kenechi Onyejiaka Chukwu, Evelyn Chizoba Sam, Adline Eberechukwu Ani, Helen Onyeaka, and Ogueri Nwaiwu. 2025. "Paradigm Shift in Bioenergy: Addressing the System of Biomass Wastage and Environmental Pollution with Biomaterial Valorisation into Biochar" Applied Sciences 15, no. 23: 12589. https://doi.org/10.3390/app152312589

APA Style

Aduba, C. C., Ndukwe, J. K., Chukwu, K. O., Sam, E. C., Ani, A. E., Onyeaka, H., & Nwaiwu, O. (2025). Paradigm Shift in Bioenergy: Addressing the System of Biomass Wastage and Environmental Pollution with Biomaterial Valorisation into Biochar. Applied Sciences, 15(23), 12589. https://doi.org/10.3390/app152312589

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