Advances on nitrogen-doped biochar for adsorption and degradation of organic pollutants from aquatic environment: Mechanisms and applications

Nitrogen doping as an effective strategy for biochar modification is extensively applied on the adsorption and degradation of organics in the aquatic environment. Unfortunately, there are few reviews to summarize the preparation, modification, and removal mechanisms of nitrogen-doped biochar (NBC) for organics from the perspectives of adsorption and degradation. Herein, this paper comprehensively presented (i) fabrication methods of NBC according to the different N sources; (ii) the applications of NBC for removing organics with corresponding adsorption and degradation mechanisms; (iii) the modification methods of NBC with special advantages; and (iv) the vital factors affecting the organic pollutants removal by NBC. Finally, further prospects were proposed to expand the universality and application on NBC in terms of removing organics. To sum up, this paper presented integrated and detailed outline of the current NBC application, providing meaningful guidance for the further development of NBC in the organics-contaminated water remediation.