Production of hydrochar using pineapple (Ananas comosus) peelings via hydrothermal carbonization

Abstract

The diminishing supply of fossil fuels as the primary energy source in the global context has prompted both researchers and scientists to look for sustainable alternative solid biofuel. One promising production approach is hydrothermal carbonization (H.T.C.) using biomass precursors. In this study, pineapple (Ananas comosus) waste peelings were utilized to obtain solid biofuel like hydrochar using H.T.C. at different carbonization times (C.T.), operating temperatures, and biomass-to-water ratio (BWR). The produced hydrochar was characterized using proximate analysis and higher heating value (HHV) and compared to the standard coal lignite. Results showed that the highest hydrochar yield of 39.33 % was obtained at 20% (BWR) for 5 hrs. (C.T.), while the lowest yield of 34% was obtained at 10% (B.W.) for 7 hrs. (C.T.). It was observed that the increase in hydrochar yield is associated with the increasing C.T. at lower BWR. In addition, the evaluated HHV was found to be 5805.01 cal/g and 5801.59 cal/g for 5 and 7 hrs. at 250 °C, respectively was obtained. Here the potential of pineapple-derived hydrochar as an option for biomass precursor for solid biofuels can help sustainably address the current scarcity of energy sources.