Bibliometric analysis of trends in biochar research and thermochemical production methods for sustainable waste management
摘要
The increasing significance of biochar in waste management requires a deeper understanding of its evolving research landscape. This study elucidates key trends in biochar research for sustainable waste management, including feedstock availability, production methods, and commercial feasibility. Utilizing the comprehensive Scopus database, 2877 original research articles published between 1960 and 2023 were examined and refined to 2731 articles based on predefined selection criteria. A substantial increase in biochar-related publications was observed after 2018, particularly within the domains of environmental, agricultural, and biological sciences. Agricultural waste emerged as the most extensively used feedstock for biochar production, accounting for nearly 74% of total publications. This preference is attributed to its abundant availability and its potential to divert organic matter from landfills, thereby mitigating methane emissions and supporting waste reduction efforts. Pyrolysis was identified as the predominant thermochemical conversion method for biochar production, owing to its controlled operating conditions and adaptability to diverse feedstocks. Pyrolysis-derived biochar has been widely associated with carbon sequestration and soil improvement, aligning with sustainable agricultural practices. The analysis further indicates that waste-derived biochar production is frequently discussed in the literature as a potentially profitable approach, although realistic cost assessments remain essential for evaluating market viability. Publication analysis revealed that China contributed 42% of total publications, followed by the United States (10%) and India (8%). Co-authorship network analysis highlighted extensive global collaboration. Present study provides a comprehensive overview of the biochar research landscape, highlighting dominant feedstocks, preferred production technologies, and emerging considerations related to market viability, thereby supporting informed decision-making for sustainable waste management.