Biochar based nanocomposites for photocatalytic degradation of emerging organic pollutants from water and wastewater

Abstract Biochar (BC) is the part of carbon family that acts as an excellent photocatalyst when combined with other nanomaterial catalysts, results in the formation of new hybridised nanomaterial known as Biochar supported photocatalyst (BSPs). These BSPs show amazing physio-chemical properties and are highly efficient for degradation of water pollutants. Comparing with pure nano photocatalyst, Biochar supported catalyst has better surface area, highly porous, better catalysing ability, stability and recoverability. This review throws light on combining cost efficient biochar and catalytic nanoparticles for effective degradation of pollutants. The synthesis and the performance of these BSPs are also discussed. The combined hybridised biochar has significant edge over pure biochar and catalytic nanoparticles. This review also discusses about the photodegradation mechanism of various BSPs. Water contaminants such as phenol, dyes or pharmaceutical compounds are very hazardous and pose a serious threat to the ecosystem. Thus, these pollutants can be degraded effectively and cost-efficiently by various BSPs. Lastly, this review paper shows the limitations and ways to tackle it in future for further research.