CARBON REMOVAL

Biochar's permanence as a carbon removal procedure stems from its unique structural and chemical properties arising from the gasification process. During gasification, biomass is heated in the absence of oxygen, leading to the thermal decomposition and reconfiguration of its constituent organic matter. This results in the formation of a highly condensed, recalcitrant carbon-rich material known as biochar, predominantly composed of aromatic and polyaromatic structures. The high degree of aromaticity imparts significant stability to biochar, rendering it resistant to microbial degradation and chemical oxidation, thus effectively locking the carbon within its matrix for extended periods.

Furthermore, biochar's permanence is enhanced by its inertinite content. Inertinite is a type of maceral, a microscopic organic constituent of coal and char, characterized by its high reflectance and resistance to decomposition. The inertinite fraction of biochar is particularly stable, with estimates suggesting a half-life of approximately 100 million years even under oxidizing conditions. Consequently, the presence of inertinite contributes significantly to biochar's long-term carbon sequestration potential, making it an effective tool for mitigating climate change through permanent carbon removal.