Biochar as a filler in mixed matrix materials: Synthesis, characterization, and applications

Abstract

The use of mixed-matrix materials (MMM) has become a major topic of research in recent years, due to unique properties achieved in these composites. In this work, biochar from sunflower seed hull pyrolysis and biochar/polysulfone (PSF) MMMs were produced and characterized. The optimal pyrolysis temperature for biochar production was determined to be 500 C. The resulting biochar properties were an iodine number of 203 mg/g and a pore volume of 0.595 mL/g. In MMM fabrication, the use 4% ethanol as nonsolvent in the wet phase inversion process increased the glass transition temperature by 8 C, indicating improved biochar/PSF interaction. The presence of biochar was shown to create pores in otherwise dense surfaces. The critical surface energy was also increased by the addition of biochar from 28.6 mN/m in pristine PSF to 35.7 mN/m in biochar/PSF MMMs. We identified and discussed several potential applications based on the determined properties.

Application of biochar-based materials in environmental remediation: from multi-level structures to specific devices

“…To date, the popular polymers employed in biochar-based membranes included polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polysulfone (PSF) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) ( Table 1). For MMMs, both inorganic and organic type fillers have been investigated, including activated carbon, graphene, metal oxides, and metal-organic frameworks (Lewis et al 2019). The big advantage of biochar in comparison to graphene and other fillers is that biochar is more sustainable and cost-effective, and thus could achieve simultaneously unique properties and cost reduction.…”

Agglomeration tendency and activated carbon concentration effects on activated carbon‐polysulfone mixed matrix membrane performance: A design of experiment formulation study

“…This is an interesting result, which may indicate higher porosity and AC accessibility in the MMMs when DMF was used. Further experimentation of the complex thermodynamics and kinetics of the phase inversion process used may help explain this result, considering MMMs are sensitive to both equilibrium and kinetics of the de‐mixing process 27,33 …”

“…The resulting properties are listed in the accompanying supplemental file. All properties were determined according to procedures presented in our previous work 33 …”

“…All properties were determined according to procedures presented in our previous work. 33 One of the main advantages of using a biomass based AC is the abundance of functional groups present in its structure. 34,35 The FTIR spectra for the AC performed in this study was taken using a Thermo Scientific Nicolet FTIR in attenuated total reflectance mode with a ZnSe crystal.…”

Eco-friendly one-shot approach for producing a functionalized nano-torrefied biomass: a new application of ball milling technology

“…Lately, considerable attention has been paid to this material as a filler for polymer matrices to provide polymer composites with enhanced electrical and mechanical properties, 20,21 finding many applications in the composite/polymer sector. The low cost and the eco-friendly nature of this carbon-based material could allow biochar to be a possible leader among carbon materials in composites.…”