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conference cpote2026 logo
CPOTE2026 | 9th International Conference on
Contemporary Problems of Thermal Engineering
23-25 September 2026 | Kraków, Poland | In-person

Abstract CPOTE2026-16065-A

Tailoring biochar surface functionalities via pyrolysis temperature for enhanced sustainable soil remediation

Sajeela SEHAR, Silesian University of Technology poland, Poland
Krzysztof PIKOŃ, Silesian University of Technology, Poland
Balal YOUSAF, Silesian University of Technology, Poland

Biochar has gained considerable attention as an environmentally friendly and sustainable material for soil remediation due to its unique physicochemical properties and versatile adsorption capabilities. Among the factors influencing biochar performance, pyrolysis temperature is one of the most critical parameters, as it governs the development of surface functional groups, pore structure, aromaticity, surface area, and mineral composition. This study examines the role of pyrolysis temperature in tailoring the surface functionalities of biochar and its subsequent impact on the remediation of contaminated soils. Biochar produced at lower pyrolysis temperatures generally exhibits abundant oxygen-containing functional groups, which enhance nutrient retention and facilitate the complexation of heavy metals. In contrast, higher pyrolysis temperatures promote greater surface area, pore volume, and aromatic carbon structures, thereby improving the adsorption of organic pollutants and increasing long-term stability in soil. The findings demonstrate that optimizing pyrolysis temperature enables the production of biochar with application-specific properties capable of effectively immobilizing contaminants while improving soil fertility, microbial activity, and overall soil health. Furthermore, the use of biomass-derived biochar supports waste valorization, carbon sequestration, and circular economy principles, making it a promising strategy for sustainable environmental management. Despite these advances, gaps remain in understanding the long-term stability and transformation of biochar surface functionalities under real soil-plant conditions, warranting further mechanistic and field-based investigations. Overall, tailoring biochar surface functionalities through controlled pyrolysis temperature offers an effective approach for enhancing soil remediation efficiency, guiding future research toward optimized, contaminant-specific biochar design for sustainable agricultural and environmental practices.

Keywords: Biochar, Surface functionalities, Pyrolysis temperature, Sustainable agriculture, Soil remediation
Acknowledgment: This work was supported by the Silesian University of Technology through the BKM program for research activities carried out by young scientists at the Department of Technologies and Installations for Waste Management (RIE3).