A Review of Biomass-Derived Biochar and Its Potential in Asphalt Pavement Engineering

Abstract

Biomass-derived biochar has gained significant attention due to its unique properties and potential applications in various fields, including asphalt pavement engineering. However, there has been no comprehensive review to date that systematically examines the state-of-the-art research on biochar utilization in asphalt pavements, identifies the key knowledge gaps, and provides recommendations for future research directions. This review aims to fill this gap by providing a novel and critical analysis of the sources and production methods of biochar, the techniques for modifying and characterizing its properties, and its recent applications as an asphalt binder modifier, asphalt mixture additive, and stormwater filter material. The review employs a systematic literature search and analysis methodology, using scientific databases such as Web of Science and Scopus, and keywords related to biochar, asphalt, pavement, and environmental and economic aspects. The selected studies are reviewed and synthesized to identify research gaps, challenges, and future directions, with a focus on the technical, environmental, and economic feasibility of biochar utilization in asphalt pavements. The review also examines the life cycle assessment, carbon sequestration potential, and cost-benefit analysis of biochar utilization. The novelty of this review lies in its holistic approach to assessing state-of-the-art knowledge and its identification of key research needs and opportunities for advancing this emerging field. The review aims to provide valuable insights and recommendations for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers interested in leveraging the benefits of biochar for sustainable and high-performance asphalt pavements.