Biochar-Based Nanocomposites for Contaminant Management: Synthesis, Contaminants Removal, and Environmental Sustainability 9783031288722

Table of contents :
Cover
Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation Series
Biochar-Based Nanocomposites for Contaminant Management: Synthesis, Contaminants Removal, and Environmental Sustainability
Copyright
Preface
Contents
Biochar-Based Nanocomposites: An Introduction
Biochar-Based Nanocomposite Materials: Types, Characteristics, Physical Activation, and Diverse Application Scenarios
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Nano/-Functional Biochar
3. Preparation of Biochar and Nano/-Functional Biochar
4. Characteristics of Biochar and Nano/-Functional Biochar
5. Biochar-Based Nanocomposites (BNCs)
5.1 Oxide/Hydroxide BNCs
5.2 Magnetic BNCs
5.3 Functionalized BNCs
6. Physical Activation of Biochar
7. Diverse Applications of BNCs
7.1 Applications of BNCs in Agriculture
7.2 Applications of BNCs in the Removal of Organic Contaminants from Wastewater
7.3 Applications of Biochar-Based Nanocomposites in Catalytic Applications
7.4 Applications of Biochar-Based Nanocomposites in Biofuels Productions
7.5 Applications of Biochar-Based Nanocomposites as an Additive in Fuels
7.6 Applications of Biochar-Based Nanocomposites in Energy Storage
7.7 Applications of Biochar-Based Nanocomposites in Fuel Cells
7.8 Applications of Biochar-Based Nanocomposites in Batteries
7.9 Applications of Biochar-Based Nanocomposites in Supercapacitors
7.10 Biochar-Based Nanocomposites in Other Applications
8. Conclusion and Future Prospects
Acknowledgements
References
Synthesis of Biochar-Based Heterostructures/Composites and Their Characteristics
Physical Activation and Nanoscale Transformation of Biochar Using Different Mechanochemical Techniques
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Physical Activation of Biochar
2.1 Steam Activation
3. Preparation and Application of Nano-Biochar Materials
3.1 Ball Milling
3.2 Microwave Irradiation
3.3 Magnetic Modifications
4. Conclusion and Future Perspectives
References
Biochar-Based Hydrogel Nanocomposites: An Innovative Technique for Contaminant-Free Environment
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Types of Contaminants
2.1 Organic Contaminants
2.2 Inorganic Contaminants (ICs)
2.3 Radioactive Contaminants (RCs)
3. Impact of Contaminants on Social Life and the Ecosystem
4. Hydrogel
4.1 Significance of Cross-Linking
4.2 Classification of Hydrogels
4.3 Adsorption of Contaminants by Hydrogel
5. What is Biochar?
5.1 Interaction of Biochar with Heavy Metals
5.2 Microbial Activity on the Application of Biochar
5.3 Adsorption of Contaminants by Biochar
6. Current Status of Application of Biochar-Based Nanocomposites
6.1 Application of Biochar-Based Hydrogel Nanocomposite in Agriculture
6.2 Application of Biochar-Based Hydrogel Nanocomposite in Treatment of the Polluted Environment
7/ Future Perspectives and Conclusion
References
Production of Biochar-Based Nanocomposites from Chemical and Biological Methods
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Production of Nanobiochar Composites
2.1 Chemical Methods
2.1.1 Oxidizing
2.1.2 Chemical Impregnation/Coating
Magnetic Nanobiochar Composites
Functional Nanoparticle-Coated Nanobiochar
Oxide or Hydroxide Nanobiochar
2.2 Biological Techniques
3. Application of Nanobiochar Composites
3.1 Nanobiochar as Adsorbent for Water Treatment
3.2 Nanobiochar in Agriculture/Soil Amendment
3.3 Nanobiochar Application in Fuel Additives
3.4 Nanobiochar as Enzyme Biocatalyst for Degradation of Organic Pollutants
3.5 Nanobiochar Application as Sensing Materials
4. Futuristic Approach
5. Conclusions
References
Comparative Investigation of Biochar-Based Nanocomposites Over Pristine Biochar: An Overview
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Production of Biochar and Their Nanocomposites
2.1 Nanometal Oxide/Hydroxide-Biochar Composites
2.2 Magnetic Biochar
2.3 Other Types of Functionalized Biochar
3. Pristine Biochar Versus Biochar-Based Nanocomposites
4. Application Suitability of Pristine Biochar Versus Biochar-Based Nanocomposites
4.1 For Sustainable Agriculture
4.2 For Pollutants Removal
4.3 Carbon Sequestration
4.4 Other Miscellaneous Applications
5. Conclusions and Future Perspectives
References
Application of Biochar-Based Nanocomposites for Remediation of Emerging Contaminants from the Environment
Biochar-Based Nanocomposites for Separation of Inorganic Contaminants from the Environment
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Biochar-Based Nanocomposites (BNCs)
2.1 Magnetic Nano-Biochar Composites
2.1.1 Pre-treatment of Biomaterial Using Iron Ions
2.1.2 Chemical Co-precipitation of Iron Oxides onto Biochar
2.2 Nano-Metal Oxide/Hydroxide Biochar-Nanocomposites
2.2.1 Enrichment of Target Element via Bio-accumulation
2.2.2 Pre-pyrolysis Treatment of Biomass by Metal Salts
2.2.3 Post-pyrolysis Insertion of Nano-Metal Oxide
2.3 Functional Nanoparticles-Coated Biochar
2.3.1 Pre-pyrolysis Coating of Biomass with Functional Nanoparticles
2.3.2 Post-pyrolysis Impregnation of Functional Nanoparticles
3. Applications of Biochar-Based Nanocomposites for Removing the Contaminants from the Environment
3.1 Removal of Heavy Metals
3.2 Removal of Radioactive Ions and Metalloids
3.3 Removal of Nutrients
4. Mechanisms Involved
5. Future Prospects
6. Conclusions
References
Biochar-Based Nanocomposites for the Removal of Organic Environmental Contaminants
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Biochar-Based Nanocomposites (BNCs)
2.1 Complexes of Oxide and Hydroxide BNCs
2.2 Magnetic BNCs
2.3 Biochar-Coated Functional NCs
3. Current Emerging Organic Contaminants in the Environment
4. Application of BNCs into Removal of Organic Contaminants
5. Potential Application of BNCs
5.1 Agricultural Applications
5.2 Energy Applications
5.3 Catalytic Applications
5.4 Other Potential Applications
6. Conclusion and Future Perspective
References
Role of Biochar Supported Nano-Photocatalysts for Removal of Dyes
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Mechanism of Photocatalytic Degradation of Dye
2.1 Indirect Mechanism
2.2 Direct Mechanism for Dye Degradation
2.3 Some Commonly Used Photocatalysts
2.4 Nanoparticles-Based Photocatalyst for Removal of Textile Dyes
2.5 Advantages of Nano-Sized Photocatalyst
3. Role of Biochar Supported Nano-Photocatalysts for Degradation of Dyes
3.1 Photocatalysts Derived from Biomass Material
3.2 Advantages of Using Biochar Supported Nano-Photocatalysts (Economical, Environmental, and Functional Advantages)
3.3 Removal of Organic Synthetic Dyes by Biochar Supported Photocatalysts
4. Factor Affecting Rate of Photocatalytic Degradation of Dyes
5. Conclusion and Future Perspectives
References
Consideration About Regeneration, Reactivity, Toxicity, and Challenges of Biochar-Based Nanocomposites
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Environmental Risks
2.1 Potential Phyto/Microbial Toxicity
2.2 Potential Risks in Terrestrial Ecosystems
2.3 Potential Risks from Air Exposure
3. Reactivity
3.1 Reactivity with Heavy Metals and Nutrients in the Soil
3.2 Geochemical Transport Behaviour
3.2.1 Behaviour in Aquatic Environment
4. Lack in Long-Term Field Studies
5. Ageing Issue
6. Recovery and Regeneration
7. Challenges
8. Future Perspectives
9. Conclusion
References
Engineered Biochar-Based Nanocomposites: A Sustainable Solution for Smart Agriculture
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Methodologies for the Production of Engineered Biochar-Nanocomposites
2.1 Effect on Pore Size of Engineered Biochar-Nanocomposites Prepared from Different Processes
3. Comparison Between Biochar and Engineered Biochar-Based Nanocomposites
4. Application of Engineered Biochar-Based Nanocomposites in Agriculture
5. Conclusion and Future Prospective
References
Applications and Future Perspectives of Agricultural Waste Biochar and Its Nanocomposites
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Waste Water Treatment
3. Microbial Fuel Cell
4. Graphene and Carbon Nanotubes
5. Nanocomposites
6. Silicon Carbide Nanowires
7. Conclusion and Future Perspectives
References

Citation preview

Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation IEREK Interdisciplinary Series for Sustainable Development

Disha Mishra · Rishikesh Singh · Puja Khare Editors

Biochar-Based Nanocomposites for Contaminant Management Synthesis, Contaminants Removal, and Environmental Sustainability

Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation IEREK Interdisciplinary Series for Sustainable Development Editorial Board Anna Laura Pisello, Department of Engineering, University of Perugia, Italy Dean Hawkes, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK Hocine Bougdah, University for the Creative Arts, Farnham, UK Federica Rosso, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy Hassan Abdalla, University of East London, London, UK Sofia-Natalia Boemi, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece Nabil Mohareb, Faculty of Architecture—Design and Built Environment, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon Saleh Mesbah Elkaffas, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, Cairo, Egypt Emmanuel Bozonnet, University of La Rochelle, La Rochelle, France Gloria Pignatta, University of Perugia, Italy Yasser Mahgoub, Qatar University, Qatar Luciano De Bonis, University of Molise, Italy Stella Kostopoulou, Regional and Tourism Development, University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece Biswajeet Pradhan, Faculty of Engineering and IT, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia Md. Abdul Mannan, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia Chaham Alalouch, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman Iman O. Gawad, Helwan University, Egypt Anand Nayyar

, Graduate School, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam

Series Editor Mourad Amer, International Experts for Research Enrichment and Knowledge Exchange (IEREK), Cairo, Egypt

Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation (ASTI) is a series of peer-reviewed books based on important emerging research that redefines the current disciplinary boundaries in science, technology and innovation (STI) in order to develop integrated concepts for sustainable development. It not only discusses the progress made towards securing more resources, allocating smarter solutions, and rebalancing the relationship between nature and people, but also provides in-depth insights from comprehensive research that addresses the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) as set out by the UN for 2030. The series draws on the best research papers from various IEREK and other international conferences to promote the creation and development of viable solutions for a sustainable future and a positive societal transformation with the help of integrated and innovative science-based approaches. Including interdisciplinary contributions, it presents innovative approaches and highlights how they can best support both economic and sustainable development, through better use of data, more effective institutions, and global, local and individual action, for the welfare of all societies. The series particularly features conceptual and empirical contributions from various interrelated fields of science, technology and innovation, with an emphasis on digital transformation, that focus on providing practical solutions to ensure food, water and energy security to achieve the SDGs. It also presents new case studies offering concrete examples of how to resolve sustainable urbanization and environmental issues in different regions of the world. The series is intended for professionals in research and teaching, consultancies and industry, and government and international organizations. Published in collaboration with IEREK, the Springer ASTI series will acquaint readers with essential new studies in STI for sustainable development. ASTI series has now been accepted for Scopus (September 2020). All content published in this series will start appearing on the Scopus site in early 2021.

Disha Mishra • Rishikesh Singh Puja Khare

•

Editors

Biochar-Based Nanocomposites for Contaminant Management Synthesis, Contaminants Removal, and Environmental Sustainability

123

Editors Disha Mishra CSIR—Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India

Rishikesh Singh Department of Botany Panjab University Chandigarh, India

Puja Khare CSIR—Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India

ISSN 2522-8714 ISSN 2522-8722 (electronic) Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation IEREK Interdisciplinary Series for Sustainable Development ISBN 978-3-031-28872-2 ISBN 978-3-031-28873-9 (eBook) https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-28873-9 © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2023 This work is subject to copyright. All rights are solely and exclusively licensed by the Publisher, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfilms or in any other physical way, and transmission or information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed. The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. The publisher, the authors, and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the publisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, expressed or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made. The publisher remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. This Springer imprint is published by the registered company Springer Nature Switzerland AG The registered company address is: Gewerbestrasse 11, 6330 Cham, Switzerland

Preface

Anthropogenic activities and accelerated pace of industrialization significantly enhanced environmental pollution and become a serious global concern due to its numerous carcinogenic and mutagenic effects on various life forms. The release of large amount of organic and inorganic pollutants pose a serious threat to the human body, food safety, farming, and fishing activities. To combat these problems, low-cost, sustainable, and easily adaptable solution is needed. Recently, biochar has emerged as low-cost, green, and sustainable material for the removal of pollutants from various environmental matrices. The abundance of biomass as a raw material for biochar production has added ease to their efficient production, as biomass source and pyrolysis conditions play a major role in deciding the properties and performance of biochar. However, surface engineering or the production of biochar-based nanocomposites through various methods such as ultrasonication, metal impregnation, microwave, electrochemical, or addition/coating of functional entities has helped in increasing adsorptive sites, surface area, uniform pore distribution, tolerance toward wide pH range, removal of heavy load of contaminants, and improving mechanical stability. These composite materials have immense potential for the remediation of heavy metals, antibiotics, pesticides, personal care products, oils, dye, and nutrients from the soil, sediments, water, or air components of the environment. Currently, the progression toward biochar research has generated many environmental and economic benefits. Many countries across the globe are now focusing more on interdisciplinary research agendas for biochar applications. Thus, generation of engineered and functional biochar composites through various physiochemical processes has engendered more advanced biochar-based composite materials with improved characteristics, and thus, provides extended application as per the choice of the pollutants. The designed and engineered biochar composites have demonstrated various kinds of chemical bonding like surface complexation, p–p interaction, electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonding, as well as different processes like partitioning, complex adsorption, Fenton process, and photocatalytic degradation for the removal of hazardous pollutants. Even the recent research on the immobilization of indigenous microorganisms on the biochar templates has rapidly enhanced the microbial degradation of pollutants. Current book has been compiled through the contribution of various authors and provides holistic knowledge about the ongoing and future research works on the biochar-based composite materials and their extended application for the removal of pollutants. This is the first attempt created toward the creation of a platform for the identification of current and future research needs through an intense literature review. The book will be helpful for a wide variety of readers for the identification of knowledge gaps and designing future frameworks to stimulate advanced research about biochar-based composite materials. This book has been thematically classified for synthesis and application of biochar-based nanocomposites. The chapters were arranged as per their information about the biochar-based nanocomposites. Overall, this book contains 11 chapters which are grouped in three major Parts, viz. (i) Biochar-based nanocomposites: An Introduction (Part 1) providing a holistic outlook on the topic, (ii) Synthesis of biochar-based heterostructures/composites and their characteristics (Part 2) which contains total four chapters (Chap. 2 to Chap. 5) covering different physical, v

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chemical, and biological approaches of biochar-based nanocomposite synthesis, and (iii) Application of biochar-based nanocomposites for remediation of emerging contaminants from the environment (Part 3) which also contains total six chapters (Chap. 6 to Chap. 11) providing a detailed overview of different application scenarios of biochar-based nanocomposites for the contaminants management from different environmental matrices. Detailed overview on different chapters is as followed: Chapter 1, ‘Biochar-based nanocomposite materials: Types, characteristics, physical activation, and diverse application scenarios,’ which has been written by Jaiswal et al., discussed the basic introduction of biochar-based composites by briefly covering their production routes, types, and characteristics. They have further provided an idea about the application of these composites in agriculture, energy, catalysis, and as sustainable industrial materials. Chapter 2, by Sarmah et al., from India, have presented extensive knowledge about the physical production routes and the conversion process into nanocomposites of biochar through an extensive literature survey. The discussion about the nanoscale engineering of biochar materials will provide new insight into the in situ and cost-effective production mechanism and their efficient applications. In Chapter 3, authors, namely Borgohain et al., from India, have highlighted the importance of biochar-based hydrogel composite system, their properties, detailed classification, and mechanism of action for the removal of a wide range of contaminants. They have also included the importance of biochar-based hydrogels for the simultaneous remediation and degradation of pollutants from aquatic and soil ecosystems. Chapter 4, authored by Verma and Singh, discussed the detailed methods of production including chemical and biological routes for the production. They have provided an overview of the main methods involved in the production of nano-biochar composite structures and their possible application in wastewater treatments, soil amendments, fuel additives, sensors, and enzyme biocatalytic reactions. In Chapter 5, entitled ‘Comparative investigation of biochar-based nanocomposites over pristine biochar: An overview’, Mishra et al. from India have presented the comparison between the pristine and modified biochar structures, including the comparison on the basis of their upgraded properties and performances toward the removal of pollutants. Chapter 6, by Mahour and Srivastava, have especially focused on the remediation of inorganic contaminants from the soil through the application of biochar-based nanocomposites. They have concluded that biochar-based nanocomposites have emerged as sustainable, revolutionary, and cost-effective solutions for industrial applications as well. In Chapter 7, Kumar et al., from Canada and India, have emphasized the potential of biochar-based nanocomposites for the removal of organic contaminants from various environmental matrices. In Chapter 8, Ramola et al., from China and India, have focused on the role of biochar-based composites for the removal of dyes. They have elucidated the preparation and mechanism of biochar-supported photocatalysts for the in situ degradation of dyes. Chapter 9, by Jain et al., have provided insight into regeneration, toxicity, and future challenges for the preparation of biochar-based nanocomposites. Further, they elaborated on transport, adsorption, toxicity, and risk load in various regimes like water, soil, and air. Chapter 10, written by Mayank Singh, has provided an idea about the usage of biochar-based nanocomposites as a sustainable solution for agricultural applications. The ultimate chapter of the book, i.e., Chapter 11, developed by Lodhe et al., from India, highlighted the production of specific types of waste-derived biochar-based nanocomposites for the wastewater treatment, fuel cells, and other extended applications. They have outlined the importance of various doped nanocomposites and their characterization for efficient applications. Overall, the current book has included sufficient knowledge, latest research work, theoretical and practical concepts of biochar composite systems in the form of a detailed literature review, figures, and tables which could be used for drawing the attention of various research communities around the globe. The book will further pave the way forward for the advanced, engineered, and goal-oriented production of biochar-based nanocomposites. Furthermore, the book will be equally beneficial for students, research scholars, academicians, environmental

Preface

Preface

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scientists, agriculturists, industries, early career researchers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government institutions, and especially those working in areas of pollutant remediation through green and sustainable options. We hope that chapters of this book will provide deep insights into the production and application of biochar-based composite systems. Disha Mishra Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) Lucknow, India e-mail: [email protected] Rishikesh Singh Panjab University Chandigarh, India e-mail: [email protected] Puja Khare Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) Lucknow, India e-mail: [email protected]

Contents

Biochar-Based Nanocomposites: An Introduction Biochar-Based Nanocomposite Materials: Types, Characteristics, Physical Activation, and Diverse Application Scenarios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ravikant Verma, Swapnamoy Dutta, Arvind Kumar, Tulsi Satyavir Dabodiya, Naveen Kumar, Karthik Selva Kumar Karuppasamy, B. Sangmesh, Ajeet Jaiswal, and Krishna Kumar Jaiswal

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Synthesis of Biochar-Based Heterostructures/Composites and Their Characteristics Physical Activation and Nanoscale Transformation of Biochar Using Different Mechanochemical Techniques ............................................................................... Mridusmita Sarmah, Arup Borgohain, Jiban Saikia, Diganta Deka, Harisadhan Malakar, Puja Khare, and Tanmoy Karak Biochar-Based Hydrogel Nanocomposites: An Innovative Technique for Contaminant-Free Environment ....................................................................................... Arup Borgohain, Madhusmita Baruah, Mridusmita Sarmah, Jiban Saikia, Diganta Deka, Harisadhan Malakar, Puja Khare, and Tanmoy Karak

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Production of Biochar-Based Nanocomposites from Chemical and Biological Methods ........................................................................................................................................... Lata Verma and Jiwan Singh

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Comparative Investigation of Biochar-Based Nanocomposites Over Pristine Biochar: An Overview ............................................................................................................... Disha Mishra, Shilpi Jain, Puja Khare, and Rishikesh Singh

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Application of Biochar-Based Nanocomposites for Remediation of Emerging Contaminants from the Environment Biochar-Based Nanocomposites for Separation of Inorganic Contaminants from the Environment ............................................................................................................... Sushmita Mahour and Shalini Srivastava

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Biochar-Based Nanocomposites for the Removal of Organic Environmental Contaminants .............................................................................................................................. Arvind Kumar, Tulsi Satyavir Dabodiya, and Duraisamy Ramamoorthy

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Role of Biochar Supported Nano-Photocatalysts for Removal of Dyes . . . . . . . . . Sudipta Ramola, Diksha Pandey, Sarita Joshi, and Nidhi Rawat

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Consideration About Regeneration, Reactivity, Toxicity, and Challenges of Biochar-Based Nanocomposites ......................................................................................... 107 Ekta Mishra, Shruti Kapse, and Shilpi Jain ix

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Engineered Biochar-Based Nanocomposites: A Sustainable Solution for Smart Agriculture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 Mayank Singh Applications and Future Perspectives of Agricultural Waste Biochar and Its Nanocomposites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 Astha Dixit, Nikhil Senger, Pratik Bhoj, Rajeev Parmar, and Mangesh Lodhe

Contents

Biochar-Based Nanocomposites: An Introduction

Biochar-Based Nanocomposite Materials: Types, Characteristics, Physical Activation, and Diverse Application Scenarios Ravikant Verma, Swapnamoy Dutta, Arvind Kumar, Tulsi Satyavir Dabodiya, Naveen Kumar, Karthik Selva Kumar Karuppasamy, B. Sangmesh, Ajeet Jaiswal, and Krishna Kumar Jaiswal

advanced materials and exhibit distinctive properties with enhanced pore size, functional groups, surface-active sites, etc. Generally, it has been distinguished based on the nanomaterial, viz., oxide/hydroxide biochar, magnetic biochar, and functional nanoparticles-coated biochar. The chapter has deliberated mechano-chemical strategies such as steam activation, microwave, magnetic modifications, ball milling, and heat treatment methods for fabricating biochar-based nanocomposites with improved properties. It has promised different applications in agro-environment arena with several other applications (such as energy, catalysis, and biomedical). Also, the pros and cons of the different techniques have been explored for future applications.

Abstract

Biochar activation has been used to augment the physicochemical properties, such as an increase in specific surface area, porosity, and surface functional groups, while improving efficiency for different applications. The physical activation method has generally driven the activation and modification of biochar. The physical activation method involved simply heating the feedstock to a higher temperature in the presence of activating agents such as CO2, inert atmosphere, steam, or pyrolysis gases that caused the loss of gases and volatile components of the feedstock and formed a porous matrix with enhanced specific surface area. Physical activation has been predominantly controlled by different parameters such as temperature, duration of heating, degree of activation, quality of precursors, and activating agent. Biochar-based nanocomposites have been considered

R. Verma
A. Kumar
N. Kumar Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India S. Dutta Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Education, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA A. Kumar Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E3, Canada T. S. Dabodiya Department of Chemical and Material Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E3, Canada K. S. K. Karuppasamy
B. Sangmesh
K. K. Jaiswal (&) Department of Green Energy Technology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India e-mail: [email protected] A. Jaiswal Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, 610005, Tamil Nadu, India

Keywords








Biochar-based nanocomposites Energy and environment Engineered biochar Pyrolysis activation

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Surface

Introduction

Carbon-rich solid biochar is the by-product generated in the process of thermochemical transformation of residual biomasses into bio-oils and syngas. It mainly comprises a carbon skeleton, a lesser amount of heteroatom functional groups, water molecules, and mineral constituents (Mohan et al. 2006). The unique physicochemical properties of biochar lead to many valuable technological applications, including carbon sequestration, decline of greenhouse gas releases, waste management, renewable energy generation, soil amendments, and environmental remediation (Kuppusamy et al. 2016). The particle size of carbon-rich solid biochar ranges from µm to cm with remarkable physical properties, which vary as per the pyrolysis techniques used and efficiently applied for different applications

© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2023 D. Mishra et al. (eds.), Biochar-Based Nanocomposites for Contaminant Management, Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-28873-9_1

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(Sangani et al. 2020). The further decrease in the particle size from µm to nm or less and the increase in the surface/volume ratio simultaneously upsurge the adsorption potential, the surface energy, and, consequently, the contaminant removal efficiency (Naghdi et al. 2019). Biochar of nano-size also possesses a small hydrodynamic size, higher negative zeta potential, higher oxygen-containing functional group, and more carbon defects. The higher oxygen content and carbon defect properties of nano-biochar increase reactive oxygen species (ROS), improving adsorption capacity and catalytic activity, respectively (Chausali et al. 2021). The carbon in biochar remains stable for many years; however, upon aging, the carbon defects arise due to slow aerial oxidation, which incorporates peripheral hydroxyl and carboxyl groups (Vaccari et al. 2011). Raw carbon nanoparticles (rCNPs) formed during carbonization methods, called biochar dust, perform a key role for the retention and controlled release of soil nutrients including ammonium and nitrate ions for growing plants (Saxena et al. 2014). Biochar nanocomposites (i.e., nano-biochar) have revolutionized the new research area of biochar nanotechnology, and the nanomaterial produced by the methods has better physicochemical and surface properties. Thus, it can help to succeed for four integrated goals, i.e., remediation of pollutants, management of wastes, carbon sequestration, and renewable energy generation (Sohi 2012; Jaiswal et al. 2022). Nano-biochar has exceptional pollutant absorption, enzyme immobilization, and soil mobility properties compared to biochar, indicating the novelty of nano-biochar as a potential waste management substitute (Chausali et al. 2021). Biochar materials comprise C (40–70%), O (10–45%), H (1–5%), N (0–3%), S (8). At the same time, pinewood and chipped wood show a neutral pH due to the loss of the carboxyl group and the relatively low ash content (Fidel et al. 2017). Similarly, pyrolysis temperature of goethite-modified biochar increases from 300 to 600 °C, and alkalinity varies from 6.40 to 7.28 with increasing ash content (Liu et al. 2018).

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Preparation of Biochar and Nano/Functional Biochar

Biochar preparation involves several vital techniques including hydrothermal carbonization, pyrolysis, torrefaction, gasification, and flash carbonization. These techniques are mainly classified as thermochemical conversion methods (Gururani et al. 2022). Specifically, the process to prepare biochar is to be selected on the basis of specific criteria including the quality of biomass and process parameter (e.g., temperature, heating rate, and residence time) to control the appropriate yields and physicochemical states of the biochar (Vijayaraghavan 2019). Each process has unique conditions and environments for biochar preparation. For example, the pyrolysis process has been carried out at 250‒900 °C, maintaining an oxygen-free atmosphere. In the pyrolysis process, solid, liquid, and gaseous products can be produced by decomposing lignocellulosic components such as lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. This technique generally involves a set of reaction pathways such as depolymerization, fragmentation, and crosslinking under particular heat conditions and pressure. This technique’s preparation of biochar mainly includes using various bioreactors, such as self-propelled reactors, bubbling fluidized beds, paddle furnaces, and agitated sand rotating kilns (Yaashikaa et al. 2020). The yield of biochar has been effectively impacted with the variable parameter of temperature. Generally, during the pyrolysis process, temperature intensification produces syngas that reduces biochar yield. The process of pyrolysis has been further classified into two main sections: slow pyrolysis and fast pyrolysis. Slow pyrolysis is mainly considered in biochar preparation, where the temperature

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range is maintained between 300 and 700 °C with the residence time