Application of biochar and its composites in catalysis

With a wide range of raw materials, low cost and large specific surface area, biochar has been widely used in environmental remediation. However, the biochar has a saturated adsorption capacity when it is used as a pollutant adsorbent. Recent efforts have been made to prepare biochar and biochar-based catalysts with enhanced catalytic properties to expand their potential applications. The environmental persistent free radicals (EPFRs) of biochar could react with O2 to induce hydroxyl radicals (•OH) without the addition of oxidants. When oxidants were added, biochar and biochar-based catalysts could activate them to generate •OH and sulfate radicals (SO4•−), respectively. Moreover, biochar could act as an electron acceptor to improve the photodegradation capacity of catalysts. With reference to the information regarding biochar and biochar-based catalysts, this work provides a critical review on recent research development as follows: 1) the preparations of various types of biochar and biochar-based catalysts are summarized; 2) the effects of the synthetic conditions and transition metals on the catalytic activity of biochar-based catalysts are discussed; (3) methods for characterizing the active sites of the biochar-based catalysts are described; and (4) the environmental applications of biochar and biochar-based catalysts are discussed with regards to three aspects based on the interaction mechanisms, namely, oxidation, reduction, and photocatalysis. The synthesis conditions and loading of metal/metal-free catalyst are key parameters controlling the catalysis activity of biochar and biochar-based catalysts. This review provides new insights into the application of biochar in catalysis. Key challenges and further research directions are proposed as well. [Display omitted] •Environmental application of biochar in catalysis can be carried out in three ways.•The EPFR of biochar reacted with O2 to induce hydroxyl radicals (.•OH).•Biochars activate oxidants to generate .•OH and SO4•−.•Biochars act as an electron acceptor to improve the photodegradation capacity.•This review provides new insights into the application of biochar in catalysis.