Chinese Research Team Develops High-Value Biochar from Agricultural Waste

Beijing (ANTARA) - A team of Chinese researchers has developed a breakthrough technology for efficient large-scale biochar production from agricultural and forestry biomass, an achievement formally recognised by a panel of experts.

The technology, developed by the Institute of Environment under the Hefei Comprehensive National Science Centre after more than a decade of research, enables the conversion of biomass into high-value biochar through a one-step catalytic dry process, Science and Technology Daily reported on Wednesday (8 July).

The breakthrough marks a major step in transforming agricultural waste into valuable resources, while supporting environmental sustainability and industrial upgrading.

“China is a major agrarian country with abundant biomass resources. Our aim is to upgrade these resources into high-value applications that can replace fossil fuels whilst supporting the national carbon emission peak and carbon neutrality targets,” said Xing Xianjun, the project leader and deputy director of the institute, which is based in Hefei, the capital of Anhui Province in eastern China.

The newly developed technology addresses key constraints that have long overshadowed traditional biochar production, such as low yields, poor quality, high energy consumption and environmental pollution. According to Xing, a single high-pressure carbonisation unit can now produce more than 50,000 tonnes of biochar per year.

The technology has been deployed in several cities, generating significant economic, social and environmental benefits, he added.

Biochar, a carbon-rich material produced by heating biomass in a low-oxygen environment, has a wide range of applications with significant economic value. In the agricultural sector, biochar can be applied to soil to increase crop yields by improving nutrient retention and soil structure.

The research team has also developed biochar-based functional materials for various applications, including energy storage, environmental adsorption and catalysis. A biochar-based eco-friendly aviation fuel production project is growing rapidly in Bozhou City in Anhui Province, according to Xing.