(2026) International Journal of Energy Research_Biochar-Based Catalysts for Selective Biofuel Upgrading: Mechanisms, Functions, and Synthesis Rules

Kim S.W.; Kwon E.E.; Lee J.

(John Wiley and Sons Ltd) International Journal of Energy Research ISSN: 0363907X Vol.2026 Issue.1 Article No.4175129 DOI: 10.1155/er/4175129

Biomass-derived fuels and bio-oils are characterized by substantial quantities of oxygenated species and unstable compounds, which diminish fuel quality and necessitate upgrading before practical application. In this regard, biochar has garnered increasing attention as a catalyst and support because it is derived from renewable biomass resources, and its physicochemical properties can be tailored through activation and chemical modification. This review explores the preparation of biochar-derived catalysts. It assesses the impacts of activation, metal incorporation, and heteroatom doping on the pore structure, surface functional groups, acidity/basicity, and redox characteristics pertinent to biofuel upgrading. The catalytic roles of these materials have been examined in processes including pyrolysis, microwave-assisted pyrolysis, hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL), catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH), steam reforming, and esterification/transesterification, with a focus on deoxygenation, denitrogenation, hydrogen transfer, and product stabilization. These studies indicate that the catalytic efficacy of biochar materials is contingent upon the synergistic effects of accessible pore networks and surface acid–base/redox properties, which vary with the upgrading route and feedstock. By integrating these structure-property relationships with process-specific catalytic performance and economic and environmental considerations, this review provides a comprehensive foundation for the rational design and evaluation of biochar-derived catalysts. It helps identify practical directions to advance sustainable biofuel upgrading technologies. Copyright © 2026 Seung Won Kim et al. International Journal of Energy Research published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

This study was carried out with the support of the Cooperative Research Program for Agriculture Science and Technology Development (Project Number RS\u20102026\u201025509944), Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea.