Biochar: Production, properties and emerging role as a support for enzyme immobilization

Biochar is a carbonaceous, solid, and recalcitrant compound derived from the pyrolysis of waste biomass. Its yield and properties are strongly influenced by pyrolysis conditions and feedstock composition. Biochar has been engineered using various physical and chemical activation methods to alter its structural and physicochemical properties in order to suit the final application and finds wide applicability in the field of soil remediation, wastewater treatment, and energy generation. Owing to its low-cost, presence of surface functional groups, porosity, and moderate surface area, biochar has recently been explored as a support material for the immobilization of enzymes. This paper aims to review the recent findings in biochar production, factors affecting the biochar properties and biochar engineering. Further, this also gives an insight into the potential of biochar as an immobilization support in terms of its properties, contributing factors and comparison with other support materials. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.