Net zero carbon impulse – assessment of waste plastic and biomass char from the thermochemical process as a value-added product: A unified view

Achieving carbon neutrality will stand among the most important global aims of many nations in the coming years, where advanced emissions reduction technologies can play a significant role. In recent years, third-generation biofuel feedstocks have contributed to energy conservation and net-zero carbon. Among these, the thermochemical process of plastic and biomass received great attention from many researchers for achieving a global circular economy with effective waste management strategies. Char is one of the valuable products from the thermochemical reaction of plastic and biomass. This review paper focuses uniquely on alarming facts about carbon emissions, specifically highlighting value-added products derived from plastic and biomass carbon sources to reduce carbon emissions through innovative and sustainable practices. In this review article we discussed the char characterization and their importance along with prospects, notably highlighting plastic char, which is an almost new aspect and crucial. Plastic and biomass are sustainable carbon sources. Char properties are desired in multiple applications due to their unique properties. Based on studies, char has been successfully employed for multiple applications such as oil and dye adsorption, air and water treatment, and the composite of civil concrete. This, followed by examining the carbon trading of plastic and biomass char, is currently under research in various applications. Process parameters and feedstocks play a role in the product. Optimal range and more inventions from plastic and biomass conversion into char are expected, along with socio-economic benefits. Hydrothermal carbonization offers closer benefits, but technological challenges restrict the process, notably in reactor handling and process control. However, this review will promote the importance of recycling into greener products, negative emissions techniques (NETs), and carbon neutrality.