From soil health to sodium-ion batteries: Team investigates biochar’s breadth of potential

Researchers at Deakin University, Barwon Water and RMIT are exploring the “many superpowers of biochar”, including in next-generation batteries through a project backed by the Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialisation Hub (REACH.)

According to a statement from Deakin on Wednesday, organic material from treated wastewater and household wastes is being processed into different biochar formulations for some very different end uses.

Biochar is a high-carbon material made by converting organic materials using heat in the absence of oxygen, known as pyrolysis. 

Deakin said a recent study by its Faculty of Science, Engineering, Building and Environment (SEBE) demonstrated benefits to soil health that could “live on for hundreds of years”.

Wendy Timms, a Professor of Environmental Engineering, added: “The many superpowers of biochar can be demonstrated by monitoring increased nutrients and moisture available to boost plant growth and also the microorganisms that live in the soil surrounding plant roots.”

The REACH project was an “important step” for Barwon Water’s plans of facilities at its Black Rock (Connewarre) and Colac Water Reclamation Plants for biochar production.

The water utility aims “to process approximately 60,000 tonnes of biosolids” annually from the two plants, as well as 40,000 tonnes of organic food and garden waste, and 14,000 tonnes of municipal green waste and commercial and industrial organic waste annually.

“Through our Regional Renewable Organics Network project, we’re supporting building a circular economy in the Geelong region, revolutionising waste management to turn organic waste into sustainable products like biochar, which enrich soils and capture carbon, benefiting local farmers and households,” said Barwon Water’s Managing Director, Shaun Cumming. 

The REACH-funded project is also examining biochars as anode active material within sodium-ion batteries. 

“If we are successful, sodium-ion batteries could become a safer, cheaper alternative for the lithium-ion batteries we use to store solar energy in our grid storage and home batteries,” said Associate Professor Nolene Byrne.

“Biochar is looking promising as a next generation battery material, and through this project we’ll continue to explore what biochar composition will enhance battery performance.

Picture: supplied

Further reading

Biochar doesn’t just store carbon – it stores water and boosts farmers’ drought resilience

Biochar: an ancient waste-to-value product

New Logan waste-to-energy plant creating three truckloads of biochar a day

Pyrocal to build biosolids processing facility in Canada

RMIT pyrolysis process promises cheaper, more sustainable catalysts for bio-oils