Biochar Pyrolysis Process and Carbon Emission

Dear Colleagues,

The process of biochar pyrolysis entails the transformation of biomass into biochar by subjecting it to heat in an environment with limited or no oxygen. Biochar can be applied in various domains of human existence, such as carbon sequestration, which is widely regarded as a promising strategy for mitigating carbon emissions and climate change. The biochar pyrolysis procedure commences by gathering biomass feedstock, encompassing agricultural residues, forestry waste, or dedicated energy crops. The biomass is subsequently exposed to elevated temperatures, typically ranging from 350 to 700 degrees Celsius, within an environment that is either low in oxygen or completely devoid of oxygen. The thermal decomposition process, commonly referred to as pyrolysis, facilitates the breakdown of biomass into three primary constituents, namely biochar, syngas, and bio-oil. Biochar refers to the solid byproduct that is generated as a result of the process of pyrolysis. The substance in question is characterized by a high carbon content and the presence of stable carbon compounds, which imparts it with a notable resistance to decomposition. The characteristics of biochar, including its surface area, porosity, and chemical composition, exhibit variability contingent upon the specific feedstock utilized and the conditions employed during the pyrolysis process.

The process of biochar pyrolysis also presents a carbon-negative approach, as it has the potential to counterbalance carbon emissions. When biomass is exposed to pyrolysis, it undergoes an incomplete combustion process, leading to the formation of biochar as opposed to the direct emission of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the Earth's atmosphere. Furthermore, the syngas and bio-oil produced through the process of pyrolysis can be effectively harnessed as alternative energy sources, thereby contributing to a reduction in fossil fuel usage and the subsequent release of carbon emissions. However, the carbon emissions and environmental impact associated with biochar pyrolysis are contingent upon several factors, such as the origin and handling of biomass feedstock, the effectiveness of the pyrolysis procedure, and the transportation and utilization of biochar. A thorough examination of these factors is imperative to guarantee the environmental sustainability of the complete life cycle of biochar production and utilization.

Dr. Vladimir M. Dodevski
Dr. Wanhe Hu
Dr. Filip Veljkovic
Dr. Sanja Krstic
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. Processes 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 2400 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.