A new review in the journal Biochar compares conventional and microwave-assisted pyrolysis for making biochar from waste biomass. Microwave heating produces biochar with higher surface area and more active surfaces, making it better at removing heavy metals, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and microplastics from water. The material can also improve soil quality and store carbon, turning agricultural and forestry waste into a useful environmental tool. The review highlights that microwave pyrolysis is faster and creates more uniform pore structures than conventional methods. But scaling up the technology remains a challenge due to reactor design, energy balance, and feedstock variability. The authors call for more real-world testing and life cycle assessments to prove the benefits under practical conditions.
