Work

Characterization and optimization of activated biochars from wheat straw pellets: Effects of treatment durations and post-washing

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Biochar is a sustainable option for managing agricultural biowastes, and its performance depends on effective activation. This study investigates how ball milling and hydrogen peroxide treatments (30–120 min), with and without washing, modify the physicochemical properties of wheat straw biochar. Ball milling for 120 min followed by washing enhanced structural specific surface area (32.86-fold), pore volume (9.31-fold), and conductivity (3.34%), while 30 min milling followed by washing improved carbon stability, increasing fixed carbon by 42.30%. Hydrogen peroxide treatment primarily improved surface functional properties, boosting cation exchange capacity 6.6-fold at 120 min and, with washing, increasing O/C ratio and carboxylic groups while reducing ash content. Optimization of the two activation methods, with and without post-washing, identified optimal times of 89.3–93.4 min (desirability >0.8). At this optimum, ball-milled biochar offered the highest conductivity and surface area, while hydrogen peroxide-activated biochar achieved the greatest chemical functionality, supporting diverse agricultural and environmental applications.

Source: Bioresource Technology Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.biteb.2026.102559

Authors: Marzieh Ghorbani, Parisa Ghofrani-Isfahani, Irini Angelidaki

Institution: Technical University of Denmark

Language: English

Topic: Thermochemical Biomass Conversion Processes

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Zero hunger, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,920