Biochar-based nanocomposites from waste biomass: a sustainable approach for wastewater treatment and renewable bioenergy

Highlights

	● Biochar-based nanocomposites are suitable for sustainable waste treatment
	● Biochar contains 50% to 90% carbon, with a balance of oxygen and hydrogen.
	● Biochar enhances water quality, soil health, carbon sequestration and agricultural productivity.
	● Biochar can be used to addresses waste management issues and create materials for environmental cleanup and energy production.
	● Biochar has removal efficiencies of 98.6% and 99.2% for lead and cadmium, respectively.

Abstract

The study emphasizes the significance of biochar-based nanocomposites (BNCs) in tackling waste management challenges and developing valuable materials for environmental remediation and energy generation. BNCs have enhanced adsorption and catalytic properties by incorporating nanoparticles into a charcoal matrix, offering a dual benefit for waste treatment and environmental preservation. Using waste biomass for BNC production repurposes resources and reduces the ecological impact of waste disposal. This study also addresses the existing research gaps and uncertainties hindering the widespread use of biochar and BNCs. After almost a decade of extensive research, it is crucial to address and fill the gaps in knowledge, such as long-term impacts, carbon sequestration rates, potential deforestation and economic viability. Thoroughly analyzing the entire system and establishing adaptable governance is need to realize the full benefits of BNCs. This article discusses the urgent need for sustainable technology and solutions to solve global concerns, including waste management, water quality, soil health, climate change and renewable energy. Its aim is to improve existing research by providing a comprehensive overview of the potential of biochar and BNCs in achieving sustainability objectives. It also identifies research gaps and challenges that must be addressed, directing future research directions. It extensively reviews biochar-based nanocomposites derived from waste biomass as a sustainable solution for wastewater treatment and renewable bioenergy. The constraints and future research directions have been highlighted, offering essential perspectives on the potential of biochar and BNCs in addressing global sustainability issues.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Biofuels / biomass / climate action / energy / sustainability / UN Sustainable Development Goals

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Acknowledgements

This work was inancially supported from Dato’ Low Tuck Kwong (DLTK) International Grant (20238005DLTK). Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) and University of Nizwa are thanked for providing support that made this work possible.

Compliance with ethics guidelines

Gasim Hayder and Rosli Muhammad Naim declare that they have no conflicts of interest or financial conflicts to disclose. This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

The Author(s) 2024. Published by Higher Education Press. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)