SMART biochar: Pioneering research to enhance urban resilience

Professor Yong Sik Ok's recent studies showcase biochar's vast potential in carbon capture, soil remediation, energy production, and urban green infrastructure development. By enhancing water retention, mitigating urban flooding, and fostering plant growth, biochar emerges as a crucial tool for developing climate-resilient cities and achieving global carbon reduction targets. Prof. Ok's trailblazing work in sustainable urban development continues to shape global environmental policies and drive practical solutions amidst climate change.

Biochar: A multi-functional material for environmental solutions

Biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from organic waste pyrolysis, has emerged as a versatile solution to pressing environmental challenges. Prof. Ok's extensive research has transformed biochar's applications in carbon capture, soil remediation, energy production, and sustainable construction, addressing critical issues like climate change, resource depletion, and pollution.

One of Prof. Ok's most pioneering studies focuses on biochar's capacity for carbon capture. Collaborating with experts from diverse fields, his research demonstrates biochar's ability to adsorb large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂), mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. His research on soil remediation highlights biochar's effectiveness in immobilizing heavy metals and pollutants in contaminated soils, providing a sustainable solution for soil health restoration.

According to Prof. Ok, "Biochar has immense potential in enhancing urban green infrastructure. By incorporating biochar into urban systems like green roofs, permeable pavements, and green walls, cities can effectively manage runoff, reduce flooding risks, and create resilient systems amidst climate change." He adds, "Our research demonstrates biochar's ability to improve water retention, nutrient availability, and plant growth, making it an attractive material for urban sustainability solutions."

On the potential adoption of biochar by the construction industry, Prof. Ok notes, "By using biochar as a concrete additive, we can significantly enhance sustainability. Biochar-infused concrete not only improves strength and durability but also reduces the carbon footprint of traditional building materials. This innovation addresses the growing demand for environmentally sustainable construction practices and supports global efforts towards greener infrastructure."

Partnerships and global impact

Prof. Ok emphasizes the role interdisciplinary collaboration plays in advancing biochar applications. His work brings together academic institutions, private corporations, and government bodies to create innovative environmental solutions. Through collaborations with corporate stakeholders and public sector partners, Prof. Ok contributes significantly to sustainable urban infrastructure development, environmental resilience enhancement, and global carbon reduction initiatives. His research is funded by prestigious grants from the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), and the OJEong Resilience Institute.

Innovative research and high-impact publications

Prof. Yong Sik Ok's leadership in biochar research is transforming environmental science, setting new standards for sustainable development. His trailblazing work, featured in premier scientific journals, inspires further research and encourages global collaborations towards a more resilient and sustainable future. His recent publications include:

1. "Active Learning-Based Guided Synthesis of Engineered Biochar for CO₂ Capture"
   Environmental Science & Technology, 58(15), 6628–6636 (2024). Featured on the journal’s front cover.
2. "Applied Machine Learning for Prediction of CO₂ Adsorption on Biomass Waste-Derived Porous Carbons"
   Environmental Science & Technology, 55(17), 11925–11936 (2021).
3. "Prediction of Soil Heavy Metal Immobilization by Biochar Using Machine Learning"
   Environmental Science & Technology, 56(7), 4187–4198 (2022).
4. "Conversion of Organic Solid Waste into Energy and Functional Materials Using Biochar Catalyst: Bibliometric Analysis, Research Progress, and Directions"
   Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, 340, 123223 (2024).
5. "Application of Biochar in Concrete – A Review"
   Cement and Concrete Composites, (2023): 105204.
6. "Carbon Negative Biochar Systems Contribute to Sustainable Urban Green Infrastructure: A Critical Review"
   Green Chemistry (2024).

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About Professor Yong Sik Ok

Professor Yong Sik Ok serves as the President of the International ESG Association (IESGA). He was recognized as a Highly Cited Researcher (HCR) in three distinct fields: Environment and Ecology, Engineering, and Biology and Biochemistry in 2022. Notably, Prof. Ok was the first Korean scientist to receive HCR recognition in Environment and Ecology in 2019. Adding to his remarkable achievements, Prof. Ok was ranked first in Asia in Environmental Sciences by Research.com in 2024. His remarkable citation record includes an h-index of 168, over 20,000 annual citations, and more than 110 highly cited papers, with a total of over 100,000 citations according to Google Scholar. As Korea's most cited scientist across various disciplines, his contributions to research are exceptional. He maintains an extensive global professional network and serves as the Editor-in-Chief for CleanMat (Wiley). His research focuses on UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ESG principles to create a more sustainable future. Additionally, Prof. Ok serves as the President of the International Society of Trace Element Biogeochemistry (ISTEB).