Biochar Materials for Circular Environmental and Energy Applications

Biochar is a carbon-rich, porous material produced through the thermochemical conversion of biomass and other organic residues. Its tunable surface chemistry, pore structure, mineral composition and stability have positioned it at the intersection of materials science, environmental engineering, agriculture and energy technology. Current research is addressing how feedstock composition and conversion conditions govern biochar structure and performance, while important questions remain concerning reproducibility, long-term stability, contaminant fate, regeneration and safe end-of-life management. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of engineered biochars for soil amendment, contaminant removal, carbon management, gas capture, catalysis and electrochemical energy applications. However, progress is limited by inconsistent characterization protocols, incomplete understanding of structure–property–performance relationships, and insufficient integration of environmental, technical and economic assessments. A materials-focused investigation is therefore needed to connect biochar design and modification with reliable performance, scalability and circular-economy outcomes.This Research Topic aims to advance the understanding of biochar as a versatile and engineered carbon material, from precursor selection and production to modification, application, recovery and reuse. It will examine how physicochemical properties influence performance in environmental and energy-related systems, and how processing strategies can be tailored to achieve specific functions. Contributions may address mechanistic questions concerning adsorption, ion exchange, catalysis, redox reactions, mineral interactions, charge storage and carbon persistence. This Research Topic also seeks to identify scalable production pathways and assess whether biochar-based technologies can deliver measurable environmental benefits while remaining economically viable. Particular interest will be given to studies that combine advanced characterization, experimental validation, modelling or life cycle and techno-economic analysis.To gather further insights into the design, production and application of biochar-based materials, this Research Topic will cover biomass-derived and other relevant carbonaceous precursors, while emphasizing materials performance, sustainability and realistic operating conditions. Studies should clearly relate biochar properties to environmental, agricultural or energy functions and, where relevant, address regeneration, reuse, emissions, resource recovery and end-of-life considerations. We welcome research addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Feedstock selection, precursor screening and biomass waste valorization- Relationships between precursor properties, processing conditions and biochar characteristics- Pyrolysis, gasification, hydrothermal carbonization and other production technologies- Structural, surface, chemical, mineralogical and electrochemical characterization- Surface engineering, activation, functionalization, doping and composite formation- Adsorption and removal of metals, nutrients, organic contaminants and emerging pollutants- Soil restoration, soil health, nutrient management and crop productivity- Carbon sequestration, greenhouse-gas mitigation and biochar stability- Gas capture, storage and separation applications- Electrodes and other biochar-based materials for batteries, supercapacitors and energy systems- Mechanistic investigations using spectroscopy, microscopy, modelling and advanced analytical methods- Regeneration, reuse, resource recovery and safe disposal- Life cycle assessment, techno-economic assessment and process scale-up Topic editors: Paulo Mourão, Likius Shipwiisho Daniel, Francesca Pagnanelli Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/85607/biochar-materials-for-circular-environmental-and-energy-applications