Reporter：Dr. Sunita J. Varjani

Introduction:

The construction industry's reliance on Portland cement is a major contributor to global CO₂ emissions, necessitating the urgent development of low-carbon and high-performance materials . This seminar explores the transformative potential of engineered biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from the pyrolysis of agricultural and municipal solid waste, as a multifunctional additive for sustainable concrete.

Drawing on the principles of a circular bioeconomy, this presentation will outline how the choice of feedstock and pyrolysis conditions allows for the precise engineering of biochar's physicochemical properties. This control is key to its dual role in concrete: 1) as a carbon-negative component that sequesters biogenic carbon and can improve mechanical properties by refining the cementitious matrix, and 2) as an ideal carrier for bacteria in self-healing systems, where its pores protect microorganisms and promote the precipitation of calcite to seal cracks .

By bridging waste valorisation, material science, and sustainable engineering, this research offers a viable pathway to decarbonizing construction while enhancing infrastructure durability. The seminar will conclude by proposing concrete collaborative projects that leverage the synergies between biochar technology and the host research groups' expertise in low-carbon, self-healing, and life-cycle-oriented construction materials.

Key words: Circular Bioeconomy; Engineered Biochar; Low-Carbon Concrete; Self-Healing Concrete; Sustainable Infrastructure; Carbon Sequestration