A review on the algae-derived biochar catalysts:Advanced oxidation processes and machine learning tools

Algae have the ability to utilize solar energy to fix carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. The conversion of algae into biochar has aroused great interest among researchers. Algal biochar (ABC) has become a formidable alternative in catalysis owing to its oxygen functional groups. In this review, the synthesis method of ABC has been summarized. ABC played a good role in photocatalysis and exhibited excellent performance in persulfate activation. The mechanisms behind the formation of oxidizing species in ABC are further discussed. Fundamentally, the research underscored the feasibility of applying machine learning to enhance ABC yield and pollutant removal. Based on a comprehensive review and driven by big data, the challenges faced by ABC in practical applications and advanced technologies have been identified from multiple perspectives. The direction for future biochar research and ideas for application improvements have been analyzed, promising to provide new approaches for the large-scale application of biochar technology.