ScienceAugust 18, 2026
pyrolysis
py-ROL-uh-sis
Definition
A thermochemical process that decomposes organic material by heating it in an environment with little to no oxygen.
Etymology
The word is derived from the Greek words 'pyr' meaning 'fire' and 'lysis' meaning 'loosening' or 'breaking apart', perfectly describing the process of breaking down matter using high heat.
In the news
In the article, pyrolysis is the method used to transform plant-based biomass into biochar, which determines the final chemical architecture and stability of the material.
AI uncovers elemental clues behind persistent free radicals in biochar
Read the full article ↗Bioengineer.org