Formation, characteristics, and applications of environmentally persistent free radicals in biochars: A review.

Due to abundant biomass and eco-friendliness, biochar is exemplified as one of the most promising candidates to mediate the degradation of environmental contaminants. Recently, environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) have been detected in biochars, which can activate SO or HO to generate reactive oxygen species for effective degradation of organic and inorganic contaminants. Comprehending the formation mechanisms of EPFRs in biochars and their interactions with contaminants is indispensable to further develop their environmental applications, e.