Bioenergy and value-added chemicals of banana peel waste (BPW): Deeper insights from thermal kinetics, thermodynamics, in-situ volatile products analysis, and bio-chars application for Cd(II) highly-efficient removal

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the physicochemical properties of banana peel waste (BPW) and its potential for thermochemical conversion into bioenergy and value-added chemicals, supported by the results of kinetics, thermodynamics, in-situ volatile products, and biochar analysis. The physicochemical analysis confirms its potential as a source of renewable fuels and valuable chemicals. Subsequently, based on the TGA outcomes, both kinetic and thermodynamic analysis were conducted. The average activation energy (226–257 kJ mol−1), high heating value (19.56 MJ kg−1), Gibbs free energy (118–149 kJ mol−1), and enthalpy change (222–252 kJ mol−1) all underscore the substantial potential of BPW for bioenergy production and its compatibility for co-pyrolysis with other waste materials. Moreover, Py-GC/MS analysis reveals that the pyrolysis of BPW primarily yields volatile products such as acids, aldehydes, alcohols and ketones, offering a potential source of value-added chemicals. Furthermore, the residual solid biochar exhibits an impressive maximum adsorption capacity of 360.18 mg g−1 for Cd(II) in aqueous environments, thereby further highlighting the exceptional quality of BPW-derived biochar as a superior adsorbent for heavy metals. In summary, this study holds significant importance in promoting the efficient utilization of BPW and mitigating the environmental pollution resulting from improper disposal.