Properties of biochar and its potential role in climate change mitigation and bioenergy generation: a review

AbstractThe specific uses of biochar are mostly dependent on its physico-chemical properties. Importantly, there are high demands for energy and fossil fuels consumption which elicit a greater threat to environmental sustainability. Agricultural and other waste substances can be recycled through pyrolysis into biochar, value-added products and for energy production. The properties of biochar can greatly influence its ability to mitigate climate change. Also, the use of agricultural waste as bioenergy in order to reduce and utilise greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere is an innovative and preferred alternative in terms of sustainability. However, effective generation is largely dependent on the pyrolysis conditions and the continuous supply of agricultural wastes or bioenergy crops. Moreover, the utilisation of biochar for bioenergy looks very promising, as it has gained considerable attention in both the academic and political arenas. Converting waste into biochar can also help local authorities and governments to move in the direction of lower carbon economies and to maintain a friendly environment. It is recommended herein that future research efforts should focus on exploring the potential risks associated with the types of biochar in the process of utilising it for bioenergy for the promotion of sustainable development.