Biochar Use-Cases
Beyond Carbon Sequestration:
The Wide-Ranging Applications of Biochar
Biochar is not only a soil-amendment; it’s a game-changer. Produced by the pyrolysis of biomass, the remarkable material can elevate soil health, boost crop yields, and purify water sources, all while serving as a potent carbon sequestration tool.
Of course, biochar can and should be locally sourced from residual material, limiting transportation costs and emissions.
In addition to the probably best-known application of biochar in agriculture, there are numerous others, and they are rapidly diversifying. In many applications, biochar replaces scarce resources while improving the quality of the end-products. From its use in construction materials like concrete and asphalt to cutting-edge innovations in bioplastics, carbon-based composites, and even medical applications, the potential of biochar is enormous – and all while technology and research continue to advance and new use cases emerge.
Carbon removal
Carbon sequestration
Biochar can durably sequester carbon from the atmosphere. The wide range of applications for biochar allows for negative emissions on a large scale.
Biogas
Biogas production
Biochar can be used as an additive for the production of biogas.
Construction
Concrete
Biochar can be used to replace some of the cement in concrete mixtures, resulting in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly material.
Asphalt
Biochar can be added to asphalt mixtures to improve the material’s durability and decrease its thermal conductivity.
Insulation
Biochar can be used as an insulation material, due to its low thermal conductivity and high thermal capacity.
Food
Food
Biochar can be used as a food preservative to extend the shelf life of products by controlling moisture and microbial growth.
High-tec
Batteries
Biochar can be used as an electrode material in batteries, particularly in lithium-ion batteries, due to its high surface area and electrical conductivity.
High-tech carbons
Biochar can serve as a catalyst or support material in the production of graphene, as well as a composite material to improve the mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of graphene.
Other high-tech applications
Biochar has been studied for its potential use in high-tech applications such as in electronics, catalysts, and supercapacitors. Its high surface area and electrical conductivity make it a suitable material for these applications.
Industry
Waste treatment
Biochar can be used to treat waste material, such as sewage or industrial effluent, by immobilizing or removing pollutants and pathogens.
Odor control
Biochar can be used as a natural odor control agent in various industrial and residential applications.
Carbon capture
Biochar can be used as a sorbent in carbon capture and storage processes in industrial settings.
Deodorizing and moisture control
Biochar can be used in products such as shoe inserts, bags, and other items to control odors and moisture.
Steel and silicon production
Biochar can be used as a reduction agent in the production of steel and silicon. It can help to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases produced during the manufacturing process by providing an alternative source of carbon.
Livestock
Animal feed
Biochar can be used as a food supplement, particularly for animals, due to its ability to improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
Aquaculture
Biochar can be used as a feed additive to improve the growth and health of fish and other aquatic animals.
Livestock bedding
Biochar can be used as a bedding material for livestock, as it has antimicrobial properties and can help control odors.
Materials
Polymers
Biochar can be used as a filler in polymer composites to improve the material’s strength and thermal properties.
Bioplastics
Biochar can be used as a filler in bioplastics to improve the material’s strength and thermal properties, and to make it more sustainable.
Paint
Biochar can be used as a filler in paint to improve the material’s durability and decrease its thermal conductivity.
Carbon-based composites
Biochar can be used as a precursor to produce activated carbon fibers and carbon aerogels, which are used in various industrial applications such as gas storage and water purification.
Medicine
Medical applications
Biochar has been studied for its potential use in medical applications such as wound healing, drug delivery, and as a scaffold material for tissue engineering.
Purification/ Removal of pollutants
Water filtration
Biochar can be used to filter and purify water by removing pollutants and heavy metals.
Air purification
Biochar can be used to remove pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and fine particulate matter from the air.
Soils
Soil amendment
Biochar can improve soil health by increasing water retention, nutrient availability, and microbial activity.
Fertilizers
Biochar can be used as a carrier for slow-release fertilizers, which can be beneficial in terms of nutrient management and environmental impact.
Remediation of contaminated soils
Biochar can be used to immobilize pollutants such as heavy metals and organic compounds from contaminated soils.