Biochar: A Sustainable Alternative in the Development of Electrochemical Printed Platforms

Abstract

Biochar is a pyrolytic material with several environmental benefits such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, sequestering atmospheric carbon and contrasting global warming. However, nowadays, it has moved to the forefront for its conductivity and electron transfer properties, finding applications in the fabrication of electrochemical platforms. In this field, researchers have focused on low-cost biomass capable of replacing more popular and expensive carbonaceous nanomaterials (i.e., graphene, nanotubes and quantum dots) in the realization of sensitive cost-effectiveness and eco-friendly electrochemical tools. This review discusses recent developments of biochar-modified screen-printed electrodes (SPEs). Special attention has been paid to biochar’s manufacturing processes, electron-donating capabilities and sensing applications. Examples of representative works are introduced to explain the distinct roles of biochar in several electro-bioanalytical strategies.

Expanding the circularity of plastic and biochar materials by developing alternative low environmental footprint sensors

“…13 In recent years, biochar has emerged as a valuable and effective electrode material and modifier, owing to its electrochemical properties combined with eco-friendly, economical, and renewable characteristics. [14][15][16] Biochar's electrochemical properties (pseudo-capacitance, electron conductivity, and doublelayer capacitance) result from its heterogeneous composition, which consists of an organic aromatic matrix with different levels of oxidation and inorganic constituents whose composition varies depending on the original feedstock and synthesis process. 17 In this paper, we propose repurposing post-consumer PET plastics for manufacturing robust and sustainable electrochemical sensors aiming to reduce the use of raw materials in the electronics sector while expanding the circularity of biomass derived from brewers' spent grain biochar.…”

“…13 In recent years, biochar has emerged as a valuable and effective electrode material and modifier, owing to its electrochemical properties combined with eco-friendly, economical, and renewable characteristics. 14–16 Biochar's electrochemical properties (pseudo-capacitance, electron conductivity, and double-layer capacitance) result from its heterogeneous composition, which consists of an organic aromatic matrix with different levels of oxidation and inorganic constituents whose composition varies depending on the original feedstock and synthesis process. 17…”

Effect of the Sorption Layer on the Protection Time Provided by Anti-Smog Half-Masks

“…This material is used in filtering half-masks to reduce carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions [ 1 ]. The influence of a high temperature during the production of biochar was also shown by the authors of other works [ 15 , 16 ], who obtained biochar with a large surface area and numerous functional groups, which can be used to reduce the emission of gases and odor compounds. Based on the literature data, it can be seen that various types of carbon materials can be used for the adsorption of vapors and gases from the air.…”

Label-free electrochemical immunosensor as a reliable point-of-care device for the detection of Interleukin-6 in serum samples from patients with psoriasis

“…In this context, label-free electrochemical immunosensors have emerged as promising POC devices for IL-6 detection, offering a valid alternative to traditional techniques which require a in-presence sample processing and high employment of reagents and time (Oh et al, 2021). Our group has developed a direct label-free immunosensor for IL-6 detection in human serum and blood (Cancelliere et al, 2022a). In that research, bare screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) were modified with a pyrolytic carbonaceous material derived from biomasses, which has the unique ability to function as both an electrochemical enhancing material and a substrate for protein binding (anchoring system) (Cancelliere et al, 2022b).…”