Biochar-Based Catalysts for the Production of Chemical and Energy

Biochar shows promise as a low-cost catalytic support with performance on par with or better than traditional catalysts, at a time when the demand for energy is rising while resources are becoming increasingly scarce. This chapter addresses the use of biochar as a green and versatile catalyst support for emerging high-end applications viz. biomass hydrolysis, isomerization and dehydration of biomass, rehydration of biomass, biodiesel production, biogas production, etc. Due to the advantageous inherent properties of biochar, the catalytic performances of catalysts based on biochar are on par with or even superior than those of traditional catalysts based on resin, silica, or carbon. This is because biochar has favorable intrinsic properties (various functional groups, intricate network of structures, etc.). This chapter also sheds light on the connections between catalytic performances, physicochemical qualities, and pyrolysis- or modification-induced characteristics, offering guidance for the future manufacture of application-oriented biochar-based catalysts.