Biochar is a form of charcoal - formed from pyrolysis of plant material. This carbon-rich material is a key player in soil health - benefiting both nutrient cycling and microorganisms. However, biochar breakdown processes - and its affinity to bind with environmental pollutants - make the long-term utilization of this fertilizer an environmental risk. Synchrotron FTIR analysis using the Bruker endstation analyzed surfaces of biochar, identifying functional group changes with typical uses of biochar and its interractions with pollutants. This study contributes to understanding the aging and contaminant distribution processes of biochar in the natural environment.

Read the paper! Shen, Jian; Huang, Guohe; Yao, Yao; Zhang, Peng; Rosendahl, Scott. Surface Alteration on Biochar in Long-Term Application: Insights into Pyrolysis, Freeze-Thaw Aging, and Dissipation. Surf. Interfaces 2024, 104118. 10.1016/j.surfin.2024.104118.