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Current Developments in the Biochar Sector

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "A4: Bio-Energy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 September 2025 | Viewed by 3736

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Bioenergetics, Food Analysis and Microbiology, Institute of Food Technology and Nutrition, College of Life Sciences, University of Rzeszow, 2D Ćwiklińskiej Street, 35-601 Rzeszow, Poland
Interests: thermal modification of plant materials—pyrolysis; biochar in the agri-food sector; mobility of heavy metals in the soil-water environment; analysis of energy value and elemental composition of food products and plant biomass
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biochar has been an important research issue worldwide in recent years. This is evidenced by the numerous multidisciplinary research studies and the significant increase in the number of scientific articles in international journals. One of the main applications of biochar is its use as a renewable fuel. Carbonates can be burned or co-fired in combined heat and power plants. They provide an alternative solution to conventional fossil fuels with an attractive calorific value. Other interesting energy applications of biochar include electrocatalysis, fuel cells, supercapacitors, and batteries.

Electrochemical energy storage technology is crucial for the sustainable development of autonomous and portable electronic devices. Reports indicate that the use of carbonaceous materials from biomass can greatly simplify the manufacturing process of electrodes for supercapacitors and batteries. Electrochemical energy storage devices, such as batteries and supercapacitors, have become popular due to their ability to store energy and release it when needed. However, it is important to look for new and sustainable electrode materials to increase the efficiency of such devices sustainably. Carbon materials are widely used as substrates for supercapacitor electrodes, but they have disadvantages such as high costs and a large carbon footprint. An alternative solution may be the use of biochar from biomass, but its application in the electrochemical sector requires improving its electrochemical properties, particularly increasing its specific surface area, through treatments such as activation and doping.

In this Special Issue, authors are encouraged to submit papers that cover high-quality novel research, as well as review studies on recent developments in the biochar sector development, particularly in relation to supercapacitors.

Dr. Bogdan Saletnik
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • biochar
  • biomass
  • electrochemical energy storage devices
  • sustainable electrode materials
  • supercapacitors
  • renewable fuel
  • electrochemical properties

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Review

21 pages, 1122 KiB  
Review
Advantages of Co-Pyrolysis of Sewage Sludge with Agricultural and Forestry Waste
by Mariusz Z. Gusiatin
Energies 2024, 17(22), 5736; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17225736 - 16 Nov 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1428
Abstract
This paper explores the advantages of the co-pyrolysis of municipal sewage sludge with agricultural and forestry biomass, emphasizing its potential for environmental and economic benefits. Co-pyrolysis with lignocellulosic biomass significantly enhances biochar quality, reduces the heavy metal content, increases porosity, and improves nutrient [...] Read more.
This paper explores the advantages of the co-pyrolysis of municipal sewage sludge with agricultural and forestry biomass, emphasizing its potential for environmental and economic benefits. Co-pyrolysis with lignocellulosic biomass significantly enhances biochar quality, reduces the heavy metal content, increases porosity, and improves nutrient retention, which are essential for soil applications. The biochar produced through co-pyrolysis demonstrates enhanced stability and a lower oxygen-to-carbon (O/C) ratio, making it more suitable for long-term carbon (C) sequestration and pollutant adsorption. Additionally, co-pyrolysis generates bio-oil and syngas with improved calorific value, contributing to renewable energy recovery from sewage sludge. This synergistic process also addresses waste management challenges by reducing harmful emissions and immobilizing heavy metals, thus mitigating the environmental risks associated with sewage sludge disposal. This paper covers key sections on the properties of waste materials, improvements in biochar quality and energy products, and the environmental benefits of co-pyrolysis, such as emissions reduction and heavy metal immobilization. The paper highlights trends and challenges in co-pyrolysis technology, aiming to optimize parameters for maximizing biochar yield and energy recovery while aligning with sustainability and circular economy goals. The paper concludes with recommendations for optimizing co-pyrolysis processes and scaling applications to support sustainable waste management. Overall, co-pyrolysis represents a sustainable approach to valorizing sewage sludge, transforming it into valuable resources while supporting environmental conservation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Developments in the Biochar Sector)
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18 pages, 2444 KiB  
Review
Opportunities and Threats for Supercapacitor Technology Based on Biochar—A Review
by Radosław Kwarciany, Marcin Fiedur and Bogdan Saletnik
Energies 2024, 17(18), 4617; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17184617 - 14 Sep 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1894
Abstract
This review analyzes in detail the topic of supercapacitors based on biochar technologies, including their advantages, disadvantages, and development potential. The main topic is the formation of precursors in the process of pyrolysis and activation, and the possibility of the application of biochar [...] Read more.
This review analyzes in detail the topic of supercapacitors based on biochar technologies, including their advantages, disadvantages, and development potential. The main topic is the formation of precursors in the process of pyrolysis and activation, and the possibility of the application of biochar itself in various fields is brought closer. The structure, division, and principle of operation of supercondensates are discussed, where their good and bad sides are pointed out. The current state of the scientific and legal knowledge on the topic of biocarbon and its applications is verified, and the results of many authors are compared to examine the current level of the research on supercapacitors based on biochar electrodes created from lignocellulosic biomass. Current application sites for supercapacitors in transportation, electronics, and power generation (conventional and unconventional) are also examined, as is the potential for further development of the technology under discussion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Developments in the Biochar Sector)
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