Abstract
Biochar and activated carbon, both carbonaceous pyrogenic materials, are important products for environmental technology and intensively studied for a multitude of purposes. A strict distinction between these materials is not always possible, and also a generally accepted terminology is lacking. However, research on both materials is increasingly overlapping: sorption and remediation are the domain of activated carbon, which nowadays is also addressed by studies on biochar. Thus, awareness of both fields of research and knowledge about the distinction of biochar and activated carbon is necessary for designing novel research on pyrogenic carbonaceous materials. Here, we describe the dividing ranges and common grounds of biochar, activated carbon and other pyrogenic carbonaceous materials such as charcoal based on their history, definition and production technologies. This review also summarizes thermochemical conversions and non-thermal pre- and post-treatments that are used to produce biochar and activated carbon. Our overview shows that biochar research should take advantage of the numerous techniques of activation and modification to tailor biochars for their intended applications.
Highlights
Both biochar and activated carbon are pyrogenic carbonaceous materials (PCM)
Pyrolysis of sewage sludge and biochar-like application e.g., to paddy soil is suggested as a promising management practice, which eliminates the organic contaminants in the sewage sludge by thermochemical conversion, reduces the availability of selected heavy metals and promotes plant growth
This review provides an overview of definitions of biochar and activated carbon
Summary
Both biochar and activated carbon are pyrogenic carbonaceous materials (PCM). They are produced by thermochemical conversion of carbonaceous feedstock (pyrolysis or/and activation). Biochar is produced from sustainably sourced biomass and is used for non-oxidative applications in agriculture (e.g., in soil) and is discussed as a raw material for industrial processes By definition, it is used for carbon sequestration [1,2]. Biochar and activated carbon are products of thermochemical processes and defined as PCM The latter three materials are similar with respect to elemental composition and prevailing chemical bonds, but each has its own history, distinct properties and, especially, specific applications (Figure 1). Black carbon is probably the most common term for PCM dispersed in the environment across the atmosphere, water bodies, soils and sediments It may be of anthropogenic (combustion of fossil fuels—soot) or natural (vegetation fires) origin [1,16].
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