The Application of Pyrolysis Biochar Obtained from Waste Rapeseed Cake to Remove Copper from Industrial Wastewater: An Overview

Abstract

Pyrolysis is a thermochemical technology for converting biomass into energy and chemical products consisting of bio-gas, bio-oil, and biochar. Several parameters influence the process efficiency and properties of pyrolysis products. These include the type of biomass, biomass preliminary preparation, gaseous atmosphere, final temperature, heating rate, and process time. This manuscript provides a general summary of the properties of the pyrolytic products of waste rapeseed cake, with particular emphasis on the sorption properties of biochar. Biochar, produced by the pyrolysis process of biomass, is emerging as a powerful tool for carbon sequestration, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and purifying water from contaminants such as potentially toxic elements and antibiotics. The review found that the biochar obtained as a result of pyrolysis of chemically modified waste rapeseed cake is characterised by its excellent sorption properties. The obtained sorbents are characterised by sorption capacity relative to the copper(II) ion, ranging from 40 mg·g−1 to 100 mg·g−1, according to the pyrolysis conditions and chemical modification method. The purified pyrolysis gas obtained in the high-temperature process can be used to generate heat and energy. Bio-oil, with its significant combustion heat of 36 MJ·kg−1, can be a source of environmentally friendly green biofuel.