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Biomass
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Biochar and the Circular Bioeconomy: Innovations in Biomass Utilisation
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Biochar and the Circular Bioeconomy: Innovations in Biomass Utilisation

A special issue of Biomass (ISSN 2673-8783).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 September 2026 | Viewed by 12443

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Kaveh Khalilpour

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Engineering and IT, University of Technology Sydney, P.O. Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia
Interests: process systems engineering; sustainable energy systems; energy storage; optimisation; systems integration; networks
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Andrew Hoadley

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemical Engineering, Monash University, Clayton Campus, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
Interests: sustainable production; process integration and optimisation; carbon storage and utilisation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The transition to a circular bioeconomy presents an unprecedented opportunity to reshape how biomass is utilised for sustainable resource management and climate resilience. Biochar—an increasingly versatile material derived from biomass pyrolysis—has emerged as a critical enabler in this transition, offering solutions for carbon sequestration, soil enhancement, water purification, energy production, and beyond.

This Special Issue invites original research articles, reviews, and case studies that explore the innovative roles of biochar in advancing circular bioeconomy principles. We seek contributions that address biochar's applications across sectors (agriculture, energy, waste management, construction, etc.), as well as its integration into circular value chains, lifecycle impacts, policy frameworks, and technological advancements.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Advanced biochar production methods and system integration.
  • Biochar applications in soil health, carbon capture, and nutrient cycling.
  • Biochar in waste valorisation, water treatment, and industrial use.
  • Techno-economic and life cycle assessments of biochar pathways.
  • Policy, governance, and business models enabling biochar-based circular solutions.

We welcome interdisciplinary contributions spanning environmental engineering, agronomy, materials science, energy systems, and socio-economic analysis.

Dr. Kaveh Khalilpour
Dr. Andrew Hoadley
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biomass is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biochar
  • circular bioeconomy
  • biomass valorisation
  • carbon sequestration
  • waste-to-resource
  • pyrolysis
  • sustainable agriculture
  • life cycle assessment
  • techno-economic analysis
  • resource circularity

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 1971 KB  
Article
Olive Pomace-Based Nanobiochar as an Adsorbent Biomass for the Removal of Simple Phenols from Oil Mill Effluents: Experimental Modeling and Computational Approaches
by Rania Abbi, Alexander Mikhalev, Meryem Achira, Ayoub Ainane, Aise Deliboran, Ayla Mumcu, Khadija Oumaskour, Tarik Ainane and Rafail Isemin
Biomass 2026, 6(2), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomass6020030 - 14 Apr 2026
Viewed by 194
Abstract
This study evaluated the sustainability of removing phenolic compounds from olive mill effluents using a nanobiochar synthesized from olive pomace. Catechol, tyrosol, hydroxytyrosol, and homovanillic alcohol were chosen as model pollutants due to their presence in agro-industrial wastewater. The surface morphology, elemental composition, [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the sustainability of removing phenolic compounds from olive mill effluents using a nanobiochar synthesized from olive pomace. Catechol, tyrosol, hydroxytyrosol, and homovanillic alcohol were chosen as model pollutants due to their presence in agro-industrial wastewater. The surface morphology, elemental composition, crystallographic structure, functional groups, porosity, and thermal stability of the nanobiochar were investigated by SEM, EDX, XRD, FTIR, BET analysis, and TGA/DTA. The developed nanobiochar exhibited a predominantly amorphous carbon structure, enriched in carbon (85.6%), with localized graphitic domains. Its mesoporous architecture (SBET = 15.478 m2 g−1; Dp = 2.14 nm) promotes accessibility to active sites, while its thermal stability confirmed its suitability for adsorption applications. In this batch adsorption study, the technological aspect considered is the influence of operating parameters on adsorption efficiency, using kinetic and equilibrium models. Pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models, as well as Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms, were used to analyze the experimental data. The pseudo-second-order model proved to be the most suitable for describing adsorption, suggesting that the process is primarily dominated by chemisorption. Similarly, the Langmuir model gave the least satisfactory results regarding equilibrium data, indicating monolayer adsorption on homogeneous active sites. The adsorption capacity of phenolic compounds was variable. The highest adsorption capacities were observed for catechol (250 mg g−1), tyrosol (19.23 mg g−1), homovanillic alcohol (15.38 mg g−1), and hydroxytyrosol (13.16 mg g−1). The results of this research indicate that adsorption affinity depends on molecular structure and electronic properties. Furthermore, computer modeling based on molecular simulations and electronic descriptors was performed to explain the adsorption mechanism. Linear regression, principal component analysis, and elastic regression revealed strong correlations between adsorption parameters and molecular descriptors. These results demonstrate that olive pomace-based nanobiochar is an environmentally friendly adsorbent for the treatment of phenolic effluents, with adsorption primarily controlled by surface interactions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar and the Circular Bioeconomy: Innovations in Biomass Utilisation)
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21 pages, 7945 KB  
Article
Response-Surface-Based Optimization of Pyrolysis Parameters for Enhanced Fixed-Carbon Content and High Heating Value of Pili (Canarium ovatum Engl.) Nutshell-Derived Biochar
by Arly Morico, Jeffrey Lavarias, Wendy Mateo, Antonio Barroga, Melba Denson, Kaye Papa, Marvin Valentin and Andrzej Białowiec
Biomass 2026, 6(2), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomass6020022 - 5 Mar 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2450
Abstract
Waste is increasingly recognized as misplaced biomass, underscoring its potential for reintegration into sustainable environmental management strategies. Biomass pyrolysis has emerged as a promising value-adding process capable of enhancing material properties for diverse applications. In this study, discarded Pili (Canarium ovatum Engl.) [...] Read more.
Waste is increasingly recognized as misplaced biomass, underscoring its potential for reintegration into sustainable environmental management strategies. Biomass pyrolysis has emerged as a promising value-adding process capable of enhancing material properties for diverse applications. In this study, discarded Pili (Canarium ovatum Engl.) nutshells (PS) were utilized as a pyrolysis feedstock to upgrade their fuel characteristics. Pyrolysis conditions were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) based on a central composite design (CCD) to maximize fixed-carbon content and higher heating value (HHV). The optimized biochar achieved a maximum fixed-carbon content of 86.15% and an HHV of 32.10 MJ/kg at a pyrolysis temperature of 600 °C and a residence time of 60 min, values comparable to those of conventional coal. Under these optimized conditions, the fixed-carbon content and HHV of the precursor biomass were enhanced by up to 254.7% and 58.4%, respectively. Statistical analysis indicated that pyrolysis temperature was the most significant factor influencing both fixed-carbon content and HHV (p < 0.05). The optimized biochar exhibited low volatile matter (8.88%), low ash content (4.97%), and low atomic ratios (H:C = 0.291; O:C = 0.077), indicating a high degree of carbonization and thermal stability. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis identified alkali and alkaline earth metals (Ca, Mg, Na), which contributed to the ash fraction, with minor heavy metals present, predominantly Pb. Hence, these findings enhance understanding of how pyrolysis conditions affect PS–biochar properties, improving fuel quality indicators. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar and the Circular Bioeconomy: Innovations in Biomass Utilisation)
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29 pages, 5622 KB  
Article
Valorization of Birch Biochar: An Efficient and Sustainable Solution for Lead Decontamination of Water
by Andrei M. Egorin, Svetlana A. Novikova, Igor D. Priymak, Yulia O. Privar, Anastasia V. Brikmans, Daria Kh. Shlyk, Andrei M. Gilev and Olga V. Nesterova
Biomass 2025, 5(4), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomass5040075 - 19 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1048
Abstract
This study investigated the potential of a commercially available birch biochar, previously used as a soil amendment, for the adsorption of Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions. For the first time, direct potentiometry with a lead ion-selective electrode was used for continuous in [...] Read more.
This study investigated the potential of a commercially available birch biochar, previously used as a soil amendment, for the adsorption of Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions. For the first time, direct potentiometry with a lead ion-selective electrode was used for continuous in situ real-time monitoring of the adsorption process. The biochar demonstrated a maximum adsorption capacity of 14.21 mg/g (Langmuir model) and a high affinity for Pb2+. Kinetic analysis revealed a two-stage process limited by intraparticle diffusion. A significant decrease in pH and power-law dependencies between the adsorption parameters and the liquid/solid ratio confirmed ion exchange as the primary mechanism. Additionally, the biochar’s surface characteristics and accessibility for large molecules were evaluated by methylene blue adsorption, yielding a specific surface area of 4.0–6.6 m2/g. This value, being an order of magnitude lower than the BET surface area, highlighted the microporous nature of the biochar and its limited accessibility for bulky organic cations, providing crucial context for interpreting the lead adsorption mechanisms. The biochar effectively reduced the lead concentration to levels meeting the standards for irrigation water, demonstrating its dual application not only as an amendment but also as an effective and stable sorbent for water purification, while direct potentiometry proved to be a promising method for studying such processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar and the Circular Bioeconomy: Innovations in Biomass Utilisation)
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20 pages, 7778 KB  
Article
Influence of Milling Conditions on Fecal Sludge-Based Biochar
by Elisa Basika, Allan J. Komakech, Simon S. Kizito, Richard D. Lee and Therese Schwarzböck
Biomass 2025, 5(4), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomass5040074 - 14 Nov 2025
Viewed by 846
Abstract
This research explores the effects of milling on fecal sludge (FS) biochar with an emphasis on milling time (5, 10, and 15 min) and ball-to-powder ratio (BPR) (4.533 g/g, 9.067 g/g, and 10.5 g/g). FS biochar was prepared through slow co-pyrolysis of a [...] Read more.
This research explores the effects of milling on fecal sludge (FS) biochar with an emphasis on milling time (5, 10, and 15 min) and ball-to-powder ratio (BPR) (4.533 g/g, 9.067 g/g, and 10.5 g/g). FS biochar was prepared through slow co-pyrolysis of a 50:50 mixture (by weight) of fecal sludge and rice husk powder at 550 °C. The resultant FS biochar with good qualities was subjected to methylene blue (MB) dye adsorption at varying FS biochar weights (0.05 g, 0.1 g, and 0.15 g) and adsorption durations. The BSA peaked at 50 m2/g for a BPR of 10.5 g/g and a milling duration of 10 min. Prolonged milling (15 min) led to structural degradation and reduced BET surface area (BSA). The pore volume peaked at a BPR of 9.067 g/g for shorter milling times and 10.5 g/g for extended milling. The SEM revealed that a milling time of 10 min at a BPR of 9.067 g/g provided the best balance between particle size reduction and uniform morphology, minimizing agglomeration. MB adsorption revealed that FS biochar milled for 10 min and 9.067 g/g BPR demonstrated the best properties. These findings highlight the potential of FS biochar for applications in environmental remediation and agricultural fields, contributing to resource recovery from FS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar and the Circular Bioeconomy: Innovations in Biomass Utilisation)
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Review

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36 pages, 479 KB  
Review
A Comprehensive Review on Sustainable Conversion of Spent Coffee Grounds into Energy Resources and Environmental Applications
by Jawaher Al Balushi, Shamail Al Saadi, Mitra Ahanchi, Manar Al Attar, Tahereh Jafary, Muna Al Hinai, Anteneh Mesfin Yeneneh and J. Sadhik Basha
Biomass 2025, 5(3), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomass5030055 - 10 Sep 2025
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 7054
Abstract
Spent coffee grounds (SCGs), a globally abundant by-product of the coffee industry, represent a significant source of lignocellulosic biomass with considerable valorization potential. Rich in organic compounds, lipids, and antioxidants, SCGs are increasingly recognized as a sustainable feedstock for energy, materials, and environmental [...] Read more.
Spent coffee grounds (SCGs), a globally abundant by-product of the coffee industry, represent a significant source of lignocellulosic biomass with considerable valorization potential. Rich in organic compounds, lipids, and antioxidants, SCGs are increasingly recognized as a sustainable feedstock for energy, materials, and environmental applications within a circular bioeconomy framework. This review critically examines recent advances in SCG valorization via thermochemical, biochemical, and material-based pathways. The review focuses on the conversion of SCGs into biofuels (biodiesel, bioethanol, biogas, and bio-oil), activated carbon for water and air purification, biodegradable polymers, and soil-enhancing amendments. Comparative analyses of process conditions, product yields, and techno-economic feasibility are provided through summarized tables. Although laboratory-scale studies demonstrate promising outcomes, challenges persist in terms of process scalability, environmental impacts, feedstock variability, and lack of regulatory standardization. Furthermore, comprehensive life cycle assessments and policy integration remain underdeveloped. By merging all findings, this review identifies key knowledge gaps and outlines strategic directions for future research, including the development of integrated valorization platforms, hybrid conversion systems, and industrial-scale implementation. The findings support the role of SCG valorization in advancing sustainable resource management and contribute directly to the achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar and the Circular Bioeconomy: Innovations in Biomass Utilisation)
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