Evaluation of influential factors in microwave assisted pyrolysis of sugarcane bagasse for biochar production

Abstract

Microwave assisted pyrolysis (MAP) is an efficient technology for the production of biochar. However, its large-scale application is limited due to lack of process optimization resulting in lower yield. Identification of significantly influencing parameters is essential for efficient optimization. Thus, in present study, screening of factors like the feedstock amount, feedstock size, moisture content, catalyst dosage, microwave power and exposure time using half fractional factorial screening design was done to identify the most influencing factor affecting sugarcane bagasse biochar yield. The formulated linear model was found to be significant with a regression coefficient ( R 2 ) of 0.9365. Half normal plot and the Pareto chart analysis showed that MAP to be mostly influenced by feedstock amount, microwave irradiation time, feedstock size and microwave power. Maximum biochar yield of 44.46% was obtained with 10 g feedstock (0.015 cm) at 720 W after 20 min, which would be optimized further to improvise the process efficiency. • Microwave power and time shows prominent impact on biochar yield. • Appropriate moisture content facilitates better microwave assisted pyrolysis. • Maximum biochar yield of 44.46% was obtained under optimal conditions. • Microwave biochar shows good porous characteristics and fixed carbon.