Burgeoning prospects of biochar and its composite in persulfate-advanced oxidation process

In the last decade, more and more refractory organic contaminants with severe health risks have been detected in the aquatic ecosystem. Sulfate radical (SO4·−)-based advanced oxidation process (SR-AOP) is recognized as an efficient approach for the removal of organic contaminants. Biochar (BC) and its composites (BCs) have been applied into SR-AOP for the double advantages of adsorption and catalytic ability. This paper gives systematic emphasis to the development and progress of biochar and its composites as catalyst in persulfate-advanced oxidation process. Synthetic techniques including the directed pyrolysis of mixed materials and post-immersed method are discussed. The physicochemical properties of biochar (such as surface area, surface functional groups, defect structure and persistent free radicals, etc.) that affect persulfate activation are provided. Then, emphasis is placed on the crucial role of biochar in affecting the catalytic property of BCs including stabilizing nanoparticles, expanding the surface area, increasing active sites and regulating electron transfer reactions. Integrating mechanistic insights and different biochar-based catalysts highlight the understanding of persulfate activation and catalytic degradation. Possible challenges are finally proposed in the fundamental research and practically scaled-up application. [Display omitted] •Biochar and its composites exhibit considerable potential in PS activation.•Biochar applied as a support can stabilize and disperse the nanoparticles.•Biochar can increase the surface area and active sites.•Biochar is capable of promoting electron transfer or shuttling electrons.