Abstract

Nano biochar, a carbon-dense substance, is gaining attention for its essential contributions to sustainable farming and environmental stewardship. It is created by pyrolyzing biomass in a regulated environment, transforming organic material into a stable carbon form. Nanobiochar is a refined form of biochar at the nanoscale, featuring improved characteristics and versatility for many contemporary uses. It can be produced efficiently from larger chunks of biochar using methods such as ball-milling, centrifugation, sonication and hydrothermal synthesis. Additionally, nanobiochar can be altered or tailored to create “engineered nanobiochar” or biochar nanocomposites that possess superior properties and applications. Nano biochar has several important characteristics, including increased surface area and porosity, improved soil fertility, better nutrient retention and recycling, slow-release fertilizer properties, a boost in microbial populations and carbon sequestration. Additionally, biochar contributes to waste management by using agricultural residues as raw materials. Colloidal and nano-sized Biochar (nano-BC) have various characteristics, including hydrophobic surfaces, small size, a very high specific surface area, a micro-porous structure and a range of surface functionalities (such as hydroxyl, carboxy and lactonyl groups). These properties greatly improve the ability of nano-BC to adsorb and immobilize different pollutants, including heavy metals, pesticides, PCBs, PAHs and more. This review article outlines the significant characteristics of nanobiochar and its role in promoting sustainable development.

Keywords:Nanobiochar; Sustainable farming; High surface area; Porosity; Carbon sequestration; Phytoremediation