Application of biochar derived from crops residues for biofuel production

Abstract

Crop residues are a major component of lignocellulosic biomass waste generated from the agriculture sector. Improper management of these wastes pollutes the environment, contaminates water bodies, and constitutes hazards to human health. The conversion of crop residues to biochar is an ecologically benign and sustainable management strategy for waste management. This review provides a novel insight into the techniques of converting various classes of crop residues such as straws, peels, bagasse, husks, shells, cobs, and stubbles to biochar for biofuel production. The updated information on the description, benefits, and drawbacks of various biochar production techniques including traditional, modern, and novel techniques are also surveyed. The study concluded on the effectiveness of biochar derived from crop residues as sustainable catalysts or support catalysts for biodiesel, biohydrogen, and biomethane production. The deployment of biochar derived from crop residue is cost-effective, eco-friendly, and contributes to environmental sustainability. More multidisciplinary investigations are required to harness the benefits derivable from the application of biochar for biofuel synthesis and confront the challenges associated with the biochar generation process to guarantee the intensification of biofuel production. The use of innovative technologies should be encouraged to guide future research toward ensuring cleaner, cost-effective, and ecological biochar utilization for biofuel production.