Advancing Biochar Applications: A Review of Production Processes, Analytical Methods, Decision Criteria, and Pathways for Scalability and Certification

Diego C. B. D. Santos, Rafael B. W. Evaristo, Romulo C. Dutra, Paulo A. Z. Suarez, Edgar A. Silveira () and Grace F. Ghesti ()
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Diego C. B. D. Santos: Laboratory of Brewing Bioprocesses and Catalysis to Renewable Energy, Chemistry Institute, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil
Rafael B. W. Evaristo: Laboratory of Brewing Bioprocesses and Catalysis to Renewable Energy, Chemistry Institute, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil
Romulo C. Dutra: Laboratory of Materials and Fuels, Chemistry Institute, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil
Paulo A. Z. Suarez: Laboratory of Materials and Fuels, Chemistry Institute, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil
Edgar A. Silveira: Laboratory of Energy and Environment, Mechanical Sciences Graduate Program, University of Brasília, Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil
Grace F. Ghesti: Laboratory of Brewing Bioprocesses and Catalysis to Renewable Energy, Chemistry Institute, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 6, 1-42

Abstract: This article reviews biochar production and its potential applications across various sectors, including agriculture, environmental remediation, and energy storage. It emphasizes the critical role of feedstock source and process parameters, such as residence time, heating rate, and temperature, in determining biochar’s properties. Although extensive research has been conducted on the physical and chemical properties of biochar, there remains a significant gap in evaluating its practical applications. This paper emphasizes the role of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) as a valuable tool for optimizing both biochar production and its application strategies. By exploring scholarly articles and patents, it offers insights into biochar production techniques, characterization methods, and the importance of process optimization for sustainable and efficient biochar use in real-world scenarios.

Keywords: biomass; thermochemical conversion; bioeconomy strategies; sustainability assessment; renewable feedstocks; circular economy integration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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