学术报告


Biochar Production and Applications


发布时间:2024-05-11 

本期主题:Biochar Production and Applications 

主讲人:Prof. Ondřej MAŠEK, Chair of Net Zero Emission Technologies, School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh

邀请人:Host: Prof. Changying Zhao, Chair Professor, Dean of China-UK Low Carbon College, Shanghai Jiao Tong University

时间:2024年5月14日10:00-11:00(北京时间)

地点:主楼4楼,A432教室

 

报告人简介

Prof. Ondřej Mašek holds the position of Personal Chair of Net Zero Emission Technologies at the University of Edinburgh, where his innovative leadership at the UK Biochar Research Centre (UKBRC) is setting new standards in the field of biochar production and development. With an 18-year career dedicated to advancing the thermo-chemical conversion of biomass and wastes into sustainable value-added products, Prof. Mašek's work is at the forefront of efforts to remove atmospheric carbon and promote sustainability.

Since joining the University of Edinburgh in 2009, Prof. Mašek has co-founded the UKBRC within the School of Geosciences, establishing it as a leading institution in biochar research and application. His pioneering research focuses on converting biomass into biochar and its co-products, aiming at carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation while improving agricultural productivity, resilience and sustainability. Prof. Mašek is particularly renowned for his expertise in engineered biochar, where he applies advanced techniques to optimise its production and application, ensuring maximum environmental and economic benefits with minimal resource use.

Prof. Mašek's collaborative efforts extend far beyond the borders of the UK. He has led and participated in numerous UK, EU, and international projects, with a cumulative budget exceeding £20 million. This global reach is a testament to his ability to forge strong partnerships with academic and industry stakeholders, ranging from innovative startups to international corporations. His scholarly contributions are equally impressive, with over 165 peer-reviewed publications, over 10,000 citations, and an h-index of 52 (Google Scholar). In 2023, he was recognised as a highly-cited researcher, placing him in the top 0.1% of researchers worldwide. This international recognition underscores his significant impact in the field and his potential as a valuable collaborator for international stakeholders.

Leading a dynamic research group of post-doctoral researchers, PhD and MSc students, and visiting scholars, Prof. Mašek is exploring a wide array of biochar-related applications. These include atmospheric carbon removal, environmental remediation, construction, and innovative uses in polymers and fermentation processes. This diverse range of research areas showcases the breadth of his expertise and the potential for groundbreaking discoveries in each field.

 

报告摘要

Biochar has the potential to store atmospheric carbon, estimated to be 0.7-1.8 Gt CO2-C(eq) yr−1. The goal of this presentation is to explore how this potential can be achieved or increased while minimizing negative environmental and economic impacts. We will discuss the integration of biomass pyrolysis into bioenergy systems and negative emission technologies as well as selected applications for biochar in areas such as agriculture, horticulture, construction, engineering, and the environment. The focus will be on matching biochar properties to application requirements and minimizing risks and challenges associated with producing and using biochar from different biomass materials. Finally, we will look into the concept of sequential uses of biochar and its challenges and opportunities as part of a circular economy.