Performance evaluation of calcined eggshell waste (Sorbent) for biogas upgrading: Adsorption isotherms, adsorption kinetics, and fixed bed studies

Abstract

The use of non-renewable energy resources such as fossil fuels accelerates climate change and environmental degradation necessitating a shift to renewable energy sources. Biogas is a renewable energy resource with great potential. However, its application is limited by the presence of contaminants such as carbon dioxide, which reduces its energy value, and density. Upgrading biogas using locally available materials solves waste management and energy sustainability challenges. In the present study, calcined eggshell waste was employed as an adsorbent for carbon dioxide. The effect of calcination temperature, adsorbent mass and adsorbent particle size was evaluated. The experimental data was fitted to adsorption isotherms, adsorption kinetic models, and breakthrough curves. Eggshells with a particle size of 280 μm, calcined at 850 °C, and mass of 75 g showed the best performance in removing carbon dioxide from biogas. It was noted that data from the experiment fitted Langmuir isotherm with RL 0.00216 while its R2 was 0.97 and Freundlich n = 0.6 while R2 = 0.97. Regarding adsorption kinetics, the intra-particle diffusion model shows good conformity with kid of 34, C of 98, and R2 of 0.977. Breakthrough analysis proved that Yoon Nelson's Model fitted well with the experimental data with an R2 of 0.989. Thus, calcined eggshell waste is a good sorbent for biogas upgrading that can solve the twin challenges of waste disposal and management and energy sustainability.