Hydrothermal carbonization of biomass as a route for the sequestration of CO2: Chemical and structural properties of the carbonized products

► In this work we present the carbonization of the biomass by means of a hydrothermal process. ► This carbonized material (hydrochar) offers a great potential for sequestering atmospheric CO2. ► We applied this process to two representative biomass products: eucalyptus sawdust and barley straw. ► The carbonized materials here presented have remarkable chemical properties. ► The hydrochar products would have considerable beneficial effects upon soil productivity.