Biochar-Based Catalysts for Hydrogen Production

This book chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in the development of biochar-based catalysts for hydrogen production. Researchers are exploring alternative energy sources to address the growing demand for energy driven by the rising price of crude oil and the depletion of fossil fuel supplies. Biochar, a carbon-based fuel is produced using thermochemical techniques and has a unique structure with carbon atoms arranged in a two-dimensional, parallel stack. Biochar has various applications, including as a catalyst, electrode, supercapacitor, and soil amendment. However, the initial physicochemical properties of biochar are often suboptimal due to the type of biomass, carbonization technique, and activation processes used in its synthesis. This chapter discusses various types of biochar-based catalysts in detail, including metal-supported biochar, biochar-supported metal oxide, nitrogen-doped biochar, acid-activated biochar, and base-activated biochar. Using metal-based catalysts over biochar is a promising approach to enhancing its catalytic activity. These strategies offer significant potential for developing cost-effective and sustainable catalysts for hydrogen production.