IUPAC Biochar Terminology
Citation: Bilias F, Sewu DD, Woo SH, Anastopoulos I, Verheijen F, Lehmann J, Teixeira WG, Gasparatos D, Draper K, Kalderis D (2024). Glossary of terms used in biochar research (IUPAC Technical Report). Pure and Applied Chemistry 96(11): 1541–1572. https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2021-0106 · open copy: Embrapa repository PDF
What it is: IUPAC’s formal glossary for biochar research. The vault uses it for the definition of biochar and for the elemental-ratio limits that separate biochar from poorly carbonized material.
Key figures
| Figure | Value | Where | Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terms defined | 178 | Abstract | ✓ full text |
| Biochar: how it’s made | Solid, porous carbonaceous product of agricultural biomass pyrolysis at 350–1000 °C with no or limited oxygen | ”Biochar” entry (open PDF) | ✓ full text |
| Biochar: elemental ratios | As-prepared H/C_org < 0.7 and O/C_org < 0.4 | Same entry | ✓ full text |
| Why the H/C_org cap | Ensures abundant fused aromatic rings; separates biochar from feedstock and incompletely carbonized material | Same entry | ✓ full text |
| Pyrolysis (separate entry) | Defined over 350–800 °C in an inert atmosphere | ”Pyrolysis” entry | ✓ full text |
| Hydrochar | Distinct product of hydrothermal carbonization; typically higher H/C and lower aromaticity | ”Hydrochar” entry | ✓ full text |
Use with care
- The biochar entry (350–1000 °C) and the pyrolysis entry (350–800 °C) give different upper temperatures. Quote the biochar entry when defining biochar.
- These are research definitions. Product and practice limits come from EBC/IBI and NRCS: Product Standards EBC IBI, defines NRCS practice 336.
Related: Overview and Definition · Properties · Key Sources