The magic of algae-based biochar: advantages, preparation, and applications

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Green Chemistry

Background:

• Algae present a sustainable and abundant biomass source for biochar production.
• Algal proteins yield nitrogen-doped biochar with enhanced properties upon pyrolysis.
• Nitrogen doping in biochar improves its capacity for pollutant adsorption and catalysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the preparation and properties of algae-based biochar (BC).
• To investigate the effectiveness of algae-based BC in degrading organic and inorganic pollutants in wastewater.
• To explore the application of nitrogen-doped BC in environmental remediation.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of surface and physicochemical properties of algae-based BC.
• Investigation of pollutant degradation using algae-based BC.
• Evaluation of adsorption and catalytic capacities of nitrogen-doped BC.

Main Results:

• Algae-based BC exhibits advantageous properties like high yield and economy.
• Pyrolysis of algal proteins generates graphitic-N and N-O functional groups, enhancing free radical activation.
• Nitrogen doping significantly improves the electron transfer/exchange capability and catalytic performance of BC.

Conclusions:

• Algae-based BC is a promising material for efficient wastewater treatment.
• The nitrogen-doping property of algae-based BC broadens its application in the environmental field.
• This review summarizes the directed preparation and application of algae-based BC in various wastewater scenarios.