Molecular understanding of biochar aging on their properties and environmental significances

Abstract

Biochar can be applied in various fields, such as carbon sequestration, pollution control, and soil restoration. Biochar unveiled a newly boulevard for sequestration of carbon has presented potential to enhance the productivity of agriculture. Biochar aging process changes its chemical and physical properties, with the formation of a variety of biochar derived organic materials. These changes have important effects for transport and bioavailability of contaminants and nutrients. In this review, render an overview on biochar aging, centering on its structural and chemical properties, and its impact on agriculture productivity and environment. After aging, biochar underwent chemical and structural alteration, such as the introduced functional groups, increased negative charge on surface, higher O: C ratio and enhanced cation exchange capacity. These alterations particularly formation of functional groups and high specific surface area substantially improve nutrient retention and soil fertility by increasing the amount of exchangeable cations in the soil. Therefore, a clear understanding of biochar aging process and their potential impacts on physiochemical and molecular properties of biochar as well as on soil can help to manage soil health in a better way without significantly affecting the surrounding environment.