Abstract: Biochar is a carbonaceous material derived from the partial combustion of biomass wastes. It has been recognized as a sustainable material with various beneficial applications due mainly to its unique properties, which include a large surface area and electrical conductivity, rich pore configuration, high charge density and cation exchange capacity, high pH, and surface functional groups. Over the past decade, significant research interest has been paid to its effectiveness in improving Portland cement composites in construction and soil properties, as well as the benefits of addressing emerging environmental issues. The knowledge of improving biochar’s applicability to sophisticated utilization in contemporary technology-related disciplines has expanded, particularly in its potential for catalyzed applications in batteries and supercapacitors for energy storage systems. This presentation outlines conventional and emerging feedstocks in biochar production, their performance as supplementary cementitious material, and their uses in various environmental applications. Specifically, the removal of pesticides and metals by biochar derived from agricultural wastes is highlighted. The need for future research on promoting biochar in combating climate change, reducing production costs, incorporating machine learning and artificial intelligence in optimizing biochar production and functionality, and establishing an appropriate standard for biochar preparation is also discussed. By focusing on waste utilization and versatile applications, biochar is an eco-friendly material that addresses environmental challenges and promotes a circular economy.

Biography: Distinguished Professor Chih-Huang Weng is currently the Chairman of the Department of Civil Engineering at I-Shou University, Taiwan. He also served as Vice-President of North Kaohsiung Community University, Taiwan. He is serving as the Editor of Water (MDPI), Environmental Geochemistry and Health (Springer), and on the Editorial Board Panel Member of Coloration Technology (Wiley). He has also served as a Guest Editor of SCI journals, such as Agricultural Water Management (Elsevier), Environmental Science and Pollution Research (Springer), and Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering. He has also organized and chaired several international conferences. Professor Weng was listed in the World’s Top 2% of Scientists (Stanford University, 2021-2023). His main research interests focus on using advanced oxidation processes and adsorption to treat wastewater and bacteria inactivation, groundwater modeling, and application of electrokinetic technologies to soil remediation/sludge treatment/activated carbon regeneration.