Biochar-Based Photocatalysts and Their Application

The rapid increase in population leads to the swift development of industries, which releases substantial amounts of impurities, including metal ions and organic pollutants, into the environment, thereby posing risks to human beings and creating environmental problems. The primary demand is for advancements in wastewater treatment technology aimed at reducing the overall cost and duration of treatment processes. Biochar and the composites that are based on biochar have garnered great interest, particularly in the realm of environmental problems, due to porous structures, abundant functional groups, and photocatalytic capabilities. The structural and chemical attributes of biochar increase the effectiveness of the photocatalyst, thereby getting better stability and optical properties. This chapter summarizes the various waste sources from which biochar can be derived and explores the application of biochar and the composites that are based on biochar as photocatalysts for degrading various contaminants such as pesticides, dyes, and drugs. Biochar-based composites are eco-friendly materials and hold promise as candidates for environmental pollution remediation. The chapter concludes by providing insights into the challenges and prospects of biochar-based catalysts.