A new single-step catalytic method developed in China promises to significantly enhance the efficiency and sustainability of biochar production, supporting low-emission industry goals and expanding its applications in energy storage and environmental solutions.
Chinese researchers have developed a new process that could reshape how agricultural and forestry residues are turned into biochar, with state media describing the technology as a major step towards industrial-scale, lower-emission carbon materials.
According to Xinhua and the Science and Technology Daily, the method was developed over more than 10 years by the Institute of Environment at the Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center in eastern China’s Anhui province. It uses a one-step catalytic dry process to convert biomass into high-value biochar, rather than relying on more conventional, less efficient production routes.
At an evaluation meeting on 5 July in Hefei, a panel of academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, together with other experts, said the project had broadly reached an internationally advanced level, with the one-step catalytic conversion of biomass to biochar judged to be world-leading.
Biochar, a carbon-rich material made by heating biomass in limited oxygen, has long been used in agriculture to help retain nutrients, improve soil structure and raise crop yields. The researchers say the new process addresses persistent problems in the sector, including low output, poor product quality, high energy use and pollution.
Xing Xianjun, deputy director of the institute and the project leader, said China’s large stock of biomass resources offers an opportunity to replace fossil-based inputs with higher-value uses that also support the country’s emissions goals. He said a single high-pressure carbonisation unit could now produce more than 50,000 tonnes of biochar a year, and that the technology was already being introduced in several cities.
The team has also developed functional biochar-based materials for energy storage, environmental capture and catalysis. Xing added that a project in Bozhou, Anhui, aimed at producing green aviation fuel from biochar, was progressing quickly.
- https://www.sondakika.com/guncel/haber-cin-den-biyokomurde-cigir-acan-teknoloji-20035815/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://english.news.cn/20260708/def85d17b2cb45dfb76415f83dbf8d02/c.html – Chinese researchers have developed a breakthrough technology for the efficient large-scale production of biochar from agricultural and forestry biomass. This technology, developed by the Institute of Environment under the Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center after more than a decade of research, enables the conversion of biomass into high-value biochar through a one-step catalytic dry process. This advancement marks a significant step toward transforming agricultural waste into a valuable resource, supporting both environmental sustainability and industrial upgrading.
- https://qazinform.com/news/50000-tons-a-year-chinas-new-biochar-tech-revolutionizes-waste-4b5991 – Chinese researchers have developed a breakthrough technology for the efficient large-scale production of biochar from agricultural and forestry biomass. This technology, developed by the Institute of Environment under the Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center after more than a decade of research, enables the conversion of biomass into high-value biochar through a one-step catalytic dry process. This breakthrough marks a major step toward transforming agricultural waste into a valuable resource, supporting both environmental sustainability and industrial upgrading.
- https://en.wedoany.com/innovation/29952.html – On July 5, the evaluation meeting for the scientific and technological achievement ‘Key Technologies and Equipment for Efficient Conversion of Agricultural and Forestry Biomass for the Creation of High-Value Functional Carbon-Based Materials,’ led by the Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center Environmental Research Institute, was successfully held in Hefei. The evaluation committee, composed of academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chinese Academy of Engineering, as well as renowned experts, concluded after inquiries and discussions that the project’s outcomes have generally reached an internationally advanced level, with the one-step catalytic conversion of biomass to biochar achieving a world-leading status.
- https://www.ncsti.gov.cn/kjdt/kjrd/202607/t20260708_250932.html – After more than a decade of research, China has achieved efficient large-scale production of biochar from agricultural and forestry biomass resources. On July 5, the evaluation meeting for the scientific and technological achievement ‘Key Technologies and Equipment for Efficient Conversion of Agricultural and Forestry Biomass for the Creation of High-Value Functional Carbon-Based Materials,’ led by the Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center Environmental Research Institute, was successfully held in Hefei. The evaluation committee, composed of academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chinese Academy of Engineering, as well as renowned experts, concluded after inquiries and discussions that the project’s outcomes have generally reached an internationally advanced level, with the one-step catalytic conversion of biomass to biochar achieving a world-leading status.
- https://kpzg.people.com.cn/BIG5/n1/2026/0708/c404214-40755834.html – After more than a decade of research, China has achieved efficient large-scale production of biochar from agricultural and forestry biomass resources. On July 5, the evaluation meeting for the scientific and technological achievement ‘Key Technologies and Equipment for Efficient Conversion of Agricultural and Forestry Biomass for the Creation of High-Value Functional Carbon-Based Materials,’ led by the Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center Environmental Research Institute, was successfully held in Hefei. The evaluation committee, composed of academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chinese Academy of Engineering, as well as renowned experts, concluded after inquiries and discussions that the project’s outcomes have generally reached an internationally advanced level, with the one-step catalytic conversion of biomass to biochar achieving a world-leading status.
- https://www.quinewsvaldera.it/italpress/cina-gli-scarti-agricoli-diventano-biochar-ad-alto-valore – Chinese researchers have developed an innovative technology for the efficient large-scale production of biochar from agricultural and forestry biomass. This technology, developed by the Institute for the Environment of the Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center after more than a decade of research, enables the conversion of biomass into high-value biochar through a one-step catalytic dry process. This breakthrough marks a significant step toward transforming agricultural waste into a valuable resource, supporting both environmental sustainability and industrial upgrading.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The article was published on 8 July 2026, which is recent. However, similar reports from Xinhua and Science and Technology Daily on the same date suggest potential recycling of content. ([english.news.cn](https://english.news.cn/20260708/def85d17b2cb45dfb76415f83dbf8d02/c.html?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
6
Notes:
Direct quotes from Xing Xianjun and other experts are included. However, without access to the original sources, the accuracy and originality of these quotes cannot be independently verified.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The article cites Xinhua and Science and Technology Daily, both state-run media outlets. While they are authoritative within China, their content may be subject to government influence, which could affect objectivity.
Plausibility check
Score:
7
Notes:
The development of a one-step catalytic dry process for biochar production aligns with ongoing research in the field. However, without independent verification, the claims about the technology’s efficiency and environmental benefits remain unconfirmed.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): FAIL
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The article presents recent developments in biochar production technology, citing state-run media sources. However, the reliance on these sources, the inability to independently verify quotes, and the lack of third-party verification raise significant concerns about the content’s credibility and independence. ([english.news.cn](https://english.news.cn/20260708/def85d17b2cb45dfb76415f83dbf8d02/c.html?utm_source=openai))
