Stability of biochar and the mechanisms underlying its response to mineral modification: A review.

Abstract

Biochar, with high degree of carbon stability, is considered as a kind of carbon sequestration material that can effectively alleviate the greenhouse effect. It is of great significance for carbon sequestration and mitigation to develop biochar with high carbon retention and stability. Mineral modification can regulate the stability of biochar. However, the relevant research has not received enough attention, and the underlying mechanism is not very clear. Firstly, the evaluation indices of biochar stability were summarized, mainly including H/C atomic ratio, O/C atomic ratio, coefficient of stability R50, volatile-matter content, thermal weight loss rate of carbon, carbon (chemical) oxidation loss rate, and cumulative CO2 emission of microbial mineralization. Then, based on the analysis of impact factors of biochar stability (such as raw material type, carbonization condition, external environment, etc.), we reviewed research progress about the effects of mineral modification on biochar stability. Furthermore, possible mechanisms of both enhancement and weakening effects on biochar stability were put forward. Enhancement is mainly due to the effects of physical barrier of minerals and the organic mineral complex formed by the interaction of mineral and biochar. While weakening effect is mainly due to special mineral composition, such as the Fe-bearing mineral composition, which promotes the thermal decomposition of biochar at high temperature. Finally, future research directions were proposed, in order to promote the development of carbon sequestration technology of biochar and provide technical support and theoretical basis for obtaining more stable biochar.