Exploring magnetic nanomaterials with a focus on magnetic biochar in anaerobic digestion: from synthesis to application
Wenneng Zhou,
Mahmoud Mazarji,
Mengtong Li,
Aohua Li,
Yajing Wang,
Yadong Yang,
Jonathan T. E. Lee,
Eldon R. Rene,
Xiangzhou Yuan,
Junting Pan
Affiliations
Wenneng Zhou
Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology
Mahmoud Mazarji
State Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Arid and Semi-Arid Arable Land in Northern China, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Mengtong Li
State Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Arid and Semi-Arid Arable Land in Northern China, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Aohua Li
State Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Arid and Semi-Arid Arable Land in Northern China, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Yajing Wang
State Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Arid and Semi-Arid Arable Land in Northern China, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Yadong Yang
State Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Arid and Semi-Arid Arable Land in Northern China, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Jonathan T. E. Lee
Environmental Research Institute, Energy and Environmental Sustainability for Megacities (E2S2) Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), National University of Singapore
Eldon R. Rene
Department of Water Supply, Sanitation and Environmental Engineering, IHE Delft Institute for Water Education
Xiangzhou Yuan
Ministry of Education of Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion and Control, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University
Junting Pan
State Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Arid and Semi-Arid Arable Land in Northern China, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Abstract Anaerobic digestion technology, effective for sustainable waste management and renewable energy, but challenged by slow reaction rates and low biogas yields, could benefit from advancements in magnetic nanomaterials. This review explores the potential of magnetic nanomaterials, particularly magnetic biochar nanocomposites, to address these challenges by serving as electron conduits and providing essential iron. This review contributes a thorough overview of the application of magnetic nanoparticles loaded into biochar in anaerobic digestion and engages in a comprehensive discussion regarding the synthesis methods and characterization of various magnetic nanoparticles, elucidating their mechanisms of action in both the absence and presence of magnetic fields. Our review underscores the predominance of co-precipitation (53%) and commercially sourced nanoparticles (29%) as the main synthesis methods, with chemical reduction, pyrolysis, and green synthesis pathways less commonly utilized (8%, 5%, and 5%, respectively). Notably, pyrolysis is predominantly employed for synthesizing magnetic biochar nanocomposites, reflecting its prevalence in 100% of cases for this specific application. By offering a critical evaluation of the current state of knowledge and discussing the challenges and future directions for research in this field, this review can help researchers and practitioners better understand the potential of magnetic biochar nanocomposites for enhancing anaerobic digestion performance and ultimately advancing sustainable waste management and renewable energy production. Graphical Abstract
