以下文章轉載來自：https://biochartoday.com/2025/01/17/dr-waqas-ahmad-advancing-biochar-research-in-material-science/
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This is the first in a new series of Biochar Expert Profiles, where we celebrate those who have dedicated their passion, expertise, and innovation to advancing the field of biochar. These experts come from all walks of life: renowned scientists whose groundbreaking research has redefined possibilities, emerging researchers whose fresh perspectives are shaping the future, industry leaders who are growing the market through new technologies and business models, and unsung heroes who work tirelessly to enrich soils with biochar. Whether it’s their pioneering techniques, insightful discoveries, or unwavering dedication, these individuals are the heart and soul of the biochar revolution. By highlighting their contributions and sharing their knowledge, this series aims to inspire the biochar community at large.
Dr. Waqas Ahmad is a dedicated researcher in Material Science and Engineering at the American University of Sharjah. Waqas specializes in developing sustainable solutions through biochar production via thermochemical conversion processes. His work focuses on co-pyrolysis to create advanced biochar materials for soil remediation, carbon sequestration, and renewable energy applications. With a strong background in biochar characterization, Waqas works to ensure environmental safety and performance by evaluating toxicity profiles and contaminant immobilization capabilities. Recognized with the prestigious Green Food Innovation Award at Gulfood Green Terra 2024, his research seamlessly integrates material science, energy systems, and environmental applications to advance scalable solutions in waste management and climate change mitigation.
Dr. Waqas Ahmad is passionate about circular economy practices, driving innovation at the intersection of renewable energy and sustainability. I spoke with Dr. Ahmad recently to hear his valuable insights into the impactful potential of biochar research. What follows are a few highlights from our conversation.
Shanthi Prabha: At what point in your career did you transition into biochar research? Could you share your primary area of expertise and current research focus within the biochar field?
Waqas Ahmad: I ventured into biochar research in December 2021 when I joined the American University of Sharjah as a Ph.D. Research Student, driven by a passion for sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. Supported by Emirates Global Aluminum, my initial project focused on producing acidic biochar through pyrolysis, a process that transforms biomass waste into valuable resources like biochar, bio-oil, and gas. Specializing in thermochemical conversion technologies, I utilize advanced tools such as GCMS, ICP-AES, SEM/EDS, and CHNS analyzers, alongside chemical procedures like ANT, CEC, and WHC, to optimize biochar’s properties for environmental applications. My work ensures biochar’s safety and effectiveness in soil remediation and heavy metal immobilization, as well as as a tool for climate change mitigation. Currently, I’m exploring the co-pyrolysis of Salicornia and Date Palm waste to develop biochar that enhances soil fertility and serves as a carbon sink. By tailoring pyrolysis conditions, I aim to create versatile biochar suitable for soil remediation, energy storage, and water purification, particularly in arid regions with abundant agricultural residues. What excites me most is bridging waste management with renewable energy production, transforming underutilized resources into wealth and paving the way for a sustainable, resilient future.
SP: As a material science expert, how do you perceive biochar as a novel material? What is its potential for addressing pressing environmental challenges?
WA: As a material science expert, I view biochar as a sustainable and innovative material with immense potential to address global environmental challenges. Its ability to capture and store carbon makes it a powerful tool for climate change mitigation, while its capacity to improve soil fertility and remediate contaminants supports sustainable agriculture and environmental restoration. Biochar also offers solutions for waste management by transforming biomass residues into valuable resources, reducing landfill dependency and pollution. Its emerging applications in water treatment and energy storage further highlight its versatility in promoting clean energy and resource recovery. I see biochar not just as a material but as a pathway to sustainability, bridging the gap between waste valorization, climate resilience, and environmental stewardship.
SP: From your perspective, what are the latest advancements in the characterization of biochar materials? How do these developments enhance the quality and impact of research outcomes?
WA: Recent advancements in the characterization of biochar materials have significantly enhanced our understanding of its structure, composition, and functionality, leading to more targeted and impactful applications. Techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) now allow detailed analysis of surface functional groups, enabling researchers to tailor biochar properties for specific uses like contaminant adsorption and nutrient retention. High-resolution imaging tools like Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) provide insights into morphological features and microstructure, while X-ray Diffraction (XRD) identifies mineral phases that influence stability and reactivity. Advanced thermal techniques, such as Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), assess thermal stability and decomposition behaviour, which are critical for optimizing pyrolysis processes. Additionally, Zeta potential analysis and surface charge measurements have opened pathways to study colloidal stability and ion exchange capacity, vital for biochar’s role in soil remediation and water purification. These tools not only enhance material performance but also ensure reproducibility, enabling broader application in environmental and energy systems. Such advancements have elevated the precision and reliability of biochar research, enabling data-driven designs and scalable solutions that address challenges in carbon sequestration, contaminant removal, and renewable energy development.
SP: How do you view the scope of biochar research from a material science perspective? What are your thoughts on biochar-based composites’ potential and future applications?
WA: From a material science perspective, the scope of biochar research is vast and evolving, offering opportunities to address critical challenges in environmental sustainability, energy storage, and material innovation. Biochar’s adaptability stems from its carbon-rich structure, chemical stability, and the ability to incorporate functional properties tailored for diverse applications. Biochar-based composites represent an exciting frontier in this field. These composites can enhance mechanical strength, thermal stability, and conductivity by integrating biochar with polymers, metals, or ceramics. This makes them promising for applications like lightweight structural materials, thermal insulators, and conductive electrodes for supercapacitors and batteries. In environmental systems, biochar-based composites have shown potential in water filtration, where combining biochar with other materials can improve the removal of contaminants like heavy metals, organic pollutants, and nutrients. In agriculture, composites can act as smart carriers for fertilizers or pesticides, releasing nutrients in a controlled manner while improving soil health. Looking forward, the development of biochar-based composites aligns with the principles of a circular economy, turning waste into advanced materials for sectors like construction, automotive, and energy storage. The ongoing exploration of biochar’s functionalization and hybridization will unlock new applications, making it a cornerstone of sustainable material science.
SP: Could you tell me about your journey and experiences working in the field of biochar research? What inspired you to focus on this area?
WA: I was drawn to biochar for its immense potential to tackle waste management, environmental remediation, and renewable energy challenges. My research focuses on optimizing biochar production through thermochemical conversion of biomass via pyrolysis, exploring process conditions to enhance yield and quality. I evaluate biochar’s physicochemical properties, toxicity profiles, and contaminant adsorption capabilities, ensuring its suitability for soil amendments, carbon sequestration, and waste-to-energy systems. Additionally, I investigate the use of pyrolysis byproducts, such as bio-oil and gas, for energy production and resource recovery.
Inspired by biochar’s ability to integrate waste valorization, carbon capture, and renewable energy production, my work aligns with global sustainability goals and circular economy principles. Recognized with the Green Food Innovation Award at Gulfood Green Terra Dubai 2024, I remain committed to advancing biochar technologies to address energy security and environmental sustainability challenges.
SP: What are the primary challenges or constraints you’ve encountered while researching biochar technologies, and how can these be addressed?
WA: Biochar research faces several challenges, with biomass variability being a key issue. Different feedstocks result in inconsistent biochar properties, impacting performance. Addressing this requires comprehensive feedstock characterization and predictive models, leveraging machine learning to optimize process parameters and ensure consistency. Another challenge lies in tailoring biochar for specific applications. Its soil amendment, carbon sink, or adsorbent effectiveness depends on surface chemistry and structure. Post-processing techniques like activation, functionalization, and mineral impregnation can enhance its multi-functionality to tackle issues like heavy metal immobilization and nutrient retention. Regulatory and standardization gaps also hinder widespread adoption. Establishing global biochar quality standards through collaboration among researchers, industry, and policymakers can build market confidence and ensure compliance.
These challenges also offer opportunities for innovation, combining advanced material characterization, computational modeling, and interdisciplinary efforts to develop scalable, sustainable biochar technologies.
SP: What is your vision for the scope and impact of biochar research by the year 2025?
WA: I believe that biochar will emerge as a multifunctional platform addressing global environmental challenges, renewable energy, and the circular economy. Its pivotal roles in carbon sequestration, soil restoration, and waste valorization will expand into integrated energy systems, utilizing bio-oil and gas as renewable resources. Advancements in reactor technologies and process optimization will enhance energy efficiency and scalability, making biochar a viable industrial solution. Applications will grow, from agriculture and water treatment to climate mitigation as a carbon-negative material. Functionalized biochar products tailored for nutrient delivery and pollutant adsorption will drive innovation. Collaboration among researchers, industries, and policymakers will establish standards and demonstrate economic feasibility, accelerating commercialization. By 2025, I believe that biochar will transition from a waste management tool to a cornerstone of sustainable development, reducing carbon footprints and promoting resource efficiency.
SP: What advice would you give to aspiring researchers looking to build a strong and impactful career in biochar?
WA: Aspiring biochar researchers should adopt a multidisciplinary approach, mastering thermochemical processes, material characterization, and environmental assessments. Focus on innovative applications like soil remediation, carbon sequestration, and renewable energy, while exploring emerging areas like functionalized Biochar. Engage in conferences, join organizations like IBI, and leverage platforms like LinkedIn and ResearchGate for networking and collaboration. Seek grants and industry projects for practical insights. Adaptability and a commitment to sustainability are key to building a successful career in biochar research.
SP: Could you highlight the current biochar-related research activities at your institution? Additionally, can you share details about leading biochar research groups or institutions you collaborate with or are familiar with?
WA: At the American University of Sharjah, the Bioenergy and Solar Conversion Research Group conducts biochar-related research, focusing on thermochemical conversion processes, both experimental and simulation-based, for producing biochar and its byproducts, such as bio-oil and gas, aimed at renewable energy production and waste valorisation. I am familiar with and draw inspiration from leading biochar research groups and institutions globally. The International Biochar Initiative (IBI) is pioneering efforts in establishing standards, policies, and commercial applications for biochar. The Biochar Research Centre at the University of Edinburgh excels in biochar characterization, carbon management, and soil improvement applications, while the US Biochar Initiative (USBI) fosters industry-academic collaborations to scale biochar technologies. Additionally, institutions like Cornell University and CSIRO Australia lead innovative research into biochar’s applications in soil health, climate resilience, and waste management systems. These global efforts and academic and industry partnerships drive biochar’s scalability and ensure its widespread adoption for climate mitigation and sustainable development.
SP: Finally, what do you find most rewarding and inspiring about working in biochar research from your perspective?
WA: What I find most rewarding about working in biochar research is its ability to address multiple global challenges simultaneously waste management, renewable energy production, climate change mitigation, and soil restoration. Seeing how a single material can transform biomass waste into a valuable resource that supports sustainable energy systems and improves environmental health is inspiring. The interdisciplinary nature of biochar research is equally motivating. It allows me to integrate material science, environmental engineering, and energy technologies to develop practical solutions with real-world impact. Knowing that my work contributes to creating scalable technologies for carbon sequestration, contaminant removal, and soil enhancement reinforces the importance of this research in building a sustainable future.
What inspires me most is the potential scalability of biochar applications, from local agricultural improvements to global carbon management strategies and the ability to collaborate with researchers, industries, and policymakers to translate scientific discoveries into tangible outcomes for both the environment and society.