Biomass Solid Waste Research Articles

Low temperature synthesis of carbon-based adsorbents from cellulose or biomass solid waste and its evaluation of cadmium ions removal from water

Biomass carbon-based adsorbents can adsorb cadmium (Cd2+) in wastewater. In this study, calcium-modified carbon-based adsorbent (CC-CBA) was prepared using cellulose as the raw material, with CaCl2 and Ca(OH)2 serving as modifiers, followed by low-temperature (300°C) pyrolysis after ball milling. Compared with unmodified and CaCl2 modified adsorbents, CC-CBA had superior adsorption performance, and the maximum adsorption capacity was 93.99mg/g. The adsorption of Cd2+ was predicted using models such as pseudo-first-order kinetics, pseudo-second-order kinetics, Freundlich, Langmuir, and Temkin. Liquid film diffusion and intra-particle diffusion were the rate-limiting steps in the adsorption process. Physical adsorption, surface complexation and ion exchange were the main adsorption mechanisms. The raw material was extended to wheat straw, activated sludge, and pomelo peel, all of which showed good adsorption performance. This study demonstrated an economical and energy-saving preparation method for biomass carbon-based adsorbents to remove Cd2+.

Operational optimization of a rural multi-energy system supported by a joint biomass-solid-waste-energy conversion system and supply chain

Biomass, as one of the most accessible renewable resources, could reduce dependency on fossil fuels and mitigate associated environmental impacts. With economic development and improved living standards, biomass in rural areas is converted into various forms of energy to meet high energy demands. However, existing studies on rural multi-energy system operations assume energy production from biomass is a given input parameter and consider it to be a fixed constant or subject to upper and lower bounds, independent of the biomass supply chain. Indeed, biomass energy production is significantly influenced by the collection, transportation, storage, and other processes within the supply chain. This work proposes a mixed integer linear program (MILP) for the joint optimization of an integrated rural multi-biomass-solid waste energy conversion system with a source-grid-demand-based biomass-solid waste supply chain (IRMBS-BSC system). The IRMBS-BSC system encompasses three sub-systems: the biomass-solid waste source sub-system, the biomass-solid waste grid sub-system, and the biomass-solid waste demand sub-system. Various biomass-solid wastes are classified, and a source model is established to evaluate their availability. Subsequently, a supply chain model is developed within the biomass-solid waste grid sub-system. Based on the available and transported quantity from the biomass-solid waste source sub-system and grid sub-system, a multi-energy system operation model, considering refined biomass conversion processes, is proposed. A case study involving a multi-energy system that integrates multiple rural community biomass-solid waste supplies is conducted. The results demonstrate that the proposed MILP, which considers the biomass-solid waste supply chain, can reduce energy imports during the load peak periods and can also decrease the overall operational costs of the multi-energy system.

Multifunctional characterization of cement-Sargassum composites for application as bioconstruction materials

Utilizing solid waste biomass developing of construction materials presents an environmental mitigation opportunity by gradually replacing conventional materials that generate diverse ecological impacts. This approach aligns with circular economy and green chemistry principles, promoting the creation of sustainable materials. This research analyzes the use of brown algae from the Sargassum genus for bioconstruction applications through its mix with Portland cement. The mass influx of pelagic Sargassum species onto Caribbean beaches since 2011 has significantly impacted the environment, economy, and human health. The valorization of Sargassum is crucial for effective management and impact reduction. The study encompasses four key stages: (a) collection and processing of the algae, (b) development of a construction material composed of Portland cement and Sargassum at concentrations of 5 wt.% and 7.5 wt.%, (c) multifunctional characterization of the composite material, encompassing physical chemistry and thermal, optical and mechanical properties, and (d) an economic-environmental evaluation of using the construction material for housing in the Mexican Caribbean to enhance thermal insulation and reduce electric energy consumption associated with air conditioning. Test specimens of the composite material reveal compressive strength ranging between 78 and 347 kg/cm2, solar spectrum absorbance between 54% and 70%, and thermal conductivity between 0.65 and 1 W/mK. The economic-environmental analysis indicates that employing the construction material in 5% of households in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico, could lead to annual reductions in energy consumption of approximately 67 GWh, with savings exceeding US$33,000, and environmental yearly mitigation equivalent to 4.1 TnNOx, 5.2 TnCH4, and 33,262 TnCO2. These results suggest promising prospects for incorporating Sargassum into construction materials, offering potential environmental and economic benefits. The composite material demonstrates optical, thermal, and mechanical functionality.

Optimization of biomass-fueled multigeneration system using SOFC for electricity, hydrogen, and freshwater production

The rapid depletion of fossil fuel resources and their detrimental impact on the environment necessitates the exploration of renewable energy alternatives. Biomass stands out as a reliable renewable source, especially in multigeneration systems. This study suggests a biomass-driven multigeneration configuration for the production of electricity, heating, hydrogen, and freshwater. The configuration is evaluated from thermodynamic and economic perspectives, utilizing an Artificial Neural Network to predict key outcomes. The system optimization process integrates Machine Learning with decision-making methods to achieve optimal conditions. The findings highlight that an anode-cathode gas recycling design is the most effective configuration for the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell unit, achieving a cycle efficiency of 67.68% and a product cost of $11.41/GJ. Municipal Solid Waste biomass and CO2 were identified as the most efficient fuel and gasification agents, respectively. The evaluations also determined that the integration of the multi-objective grey wolf optimizer and the CatBoost method is the most reliable machine learning model for optimization. Furthermore, by combining the Multi-Objective Harris Hawks Optimization algorithm with TOPSIS, LINMAP, and Fuzzy decision-making approaches, the system achieves optimal performance across multiple scenarios. In one scenario, the system reached an exergy efficiency of 67.68% and a hydrogen production rate of 22.34 kg/h. The optimum recycling ratios for the anode and cathode were determined to be 0.16 and 0.38, respectively. The study demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed configuration, offering significant potential for sustainable and cost-effective energy generation.

Impact of Torrefaction Process in Elevating the Fuel Properties of Selected Herbaceous Biomass Solid Waste

Impact of Torrefaction Process in Elevating the Fuel Properties of Selected Herbaceous Biomass Solid Waste

Full‐Component Utilization of Cellulose Nanofibrils and Artificial Stone Waste for Cement Enhancement

With the concept of carbon neutrality, the value‐added utilization of biomass materials and solid waste becomes a cutting‐edge topic. Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) receive much attention due to their excellent properties in terms of high aspect ratio, specific strength, and specific surface area, but their large‐scale preparation remains a great challenge. Herein, a facile aqueous solution method is proposed for the fabrication of CNFs through artificial stone waste (ASW)‐assisted supramolecular interfacial interactions for the full‐component utilization in cement mortar materials. The strong hydrogen bonding interaction between ASW and CNFs can effectively prevent the intramolecular hydrogen bonding of CNFs and agglomeration of ASW, while improving the stability of CNF/ASW suspensions. The resulting CNFs/ASW with active hydroxyl or carboxyl group can improve the flexural and compressive strength of cement (30.8% and 37.8% higher than that of pristine cement, respectively) by embedding into the defects of cement mortar and promoting the hydration process of cement. In this work, not only a new idea is provided for the large‐scale preparation of biomass nanomaterials, but also the full‐component value‐added utilization of biomass and solid waste in cement materials is opened up.

Solid waste management and resource recovery during the 4-crew 180-day CELSS integrated experiment

In order to explore the management and treatment methods of solid waste in the Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) of future lunar bases, during the 4-crew 180-day integrated experiment, the Solid Waste Management and Treatment System (SWMTS) was built, in which the treatment of recyclable solid waste such as inedible plant parts and human excrement was completed through a combination of biological aerobic composting and high-temperature oxidation. Basic data on the types and amounts of solid waste generated during the 4-crew 180-day experiment mission were obtained. There were six types of solid wastes, including the work support wastes, the household support wastes, the plant cultivation wastes, the plant-based wastes, and crew feces. The daily average production was 0.67, 1.4, 0.32, 8.48, 0.534 kg/d, respectively. The proportion of plant-based wastes was high as 74.3 %, indicating that it was the most important part. By closed-loop air drying and graded crushing, all 1526.97 kg of plant-based waste was treated, with water recovery (about 1163.87 kg), as well as volume reduction and stabilization treatment. By incineration and aerobic composting treatment, 67.3 % (244.4 kg) of the plant-based wastes (dry weight) and all of the feces (96.26 kg) were converted, providing 339.54 kg carbon dioxide for plant growth. And 90.6 kg organic fertilizer was obtained. The fertilizer was highly mature, met safety requirements, and effectively improved lettuce yield. The recycling rate of renewable solid waste during the experiment reached 89.8 %. The efficient circulation of solid waste had been achieved during the 4-crew 180-day integrated experiment. The long-time experimental results have shown that the established solid wastes management and treatment system can timely treat biomass solid waste such as inedible parts of plants and crew feces, achieve timely recovery of water in such solid waste, and recycle carbon and other elements, which effectively improved the material closure of the system and ensured the successful 4-crew 180-day experiment. This work also maybe lay the foundation for the construction and operation of an ecological life support system for future lunar bases.

Potential Conversion of Coconut Husk-Waste to Magnetic Cellulose Designed for Synthetic Dye Removal

Increasing concern about sustainability and environmental issues caused by the massive amount of solid biomass waste in Indonesia has driven efforts to develop new products for various endues applications in energy, environment, and health sectors. This study uses coconut husk as the cellulose source to fabricate magnetic cellulose (MC) via coprecipitation with iron chloride salts. Combining cellulose with magnetite nanoparticles aims to improve the removal rate of synthetic dye as the latter provides high catalytic activity in the Fenton degradation process to eliminate persistent pollutants. The paramagnetic characteristics that MC possesses also make them quickly recovered after use. The adsorption capacity is found at 252.2 mg/g (pH 7, temperature of 30°C, the dye initial concentration of 100 ppm, and the precursor mass ratio of 1:4.8:25) for Rhodamine-B. The dye mineralization in this condition also reaches 50%, indicating that this adsorbent can be used as an efficient material to adsorb and degrade dye from an aqueous solution. This magnetic adsorbent will be of immense potential application for removing organic contaminants, particularly synthetic dyes, due to its good performance, simple separation, and ability to perform both adsorption and degradation processes simultaneously.

Design, economic analysis, and environmental assessment of an innovative municipal solid waste-based multigeneration system integrating LNG cold utilization and seawater desalination

This paper presents a novel integrated solution for harnessing energy from biomass alongside liquefied natural gas cooling. The process is investigated and evaluated in various scenarios. This integrated system yields electricity, hydrogen, cold water, hot water, and fresh water. Thermodynamic analysis of the process is conducted under different scenarios. Moreover, the overall environmental damage effectiveness factor is calculated using exergo-environmental evaluation, revealing that heat exchanger E-103 exhibits the highest effectiveness factor of environmental damage, with an exergy efficiency of 37.3 %. Simulation results indicate an overall energy efficiency and overall exergy efficiency of 58.24 % and 31.97 %, respectively. Energy efficiencies of the process are found to be 32.15 %, 34.85 %, 36.71 %, and 58.24 % in single generation, combined heat and power, combined cooling, heating, and power, and multi-generation scenarios, respectively. The study evaluates the simultaneous effects of pressure and flow rate variations of liquefied natural gas fluid, input flow rate variations of municipal solid waste biomass, and cyclohexane working fluid pressure variations in the organic Rankine cycle on other variables. Finally, an economic evaluation of the new process outlines its annual cost and the levelized energy cost parameter under base design conditions, which amount to 9,383,042 $ and 0.092 $/kWh, respectively.

Co-hydrothermal conversion of kitchen waste and agricultural solid waste biomass components by simple mixture: study based on bio-oil yield and composition

The co-hydrothermal conversion of kitchen waste and lignocellulosic biomass solid waste into bio-oil holds the potential to revolutionize the production of multi-source biomass hydrothermal bio-oil. In this study, the interaction between kitchen waste and agricultural solid waste during the hydrothermal conversion process was investigated, focusing on the yield and properties of the resulting bio-oil, the obtained bio-oil was characterized. Results reveal that the Maillard reaction plays a pivotal role in influencing the production of hydrothermal bio-oil during the co-hydrothermal conversion process. Proteins and amino acids, in particular, exhibit a strong promotional effect on the generation of hydrothermal bio-oil. The introduction of kitchen waste did not significantly change the chemical and elemental composition of the bio-oil derived from agricultural solid waste. However, the specific content of compounds within the hydrothermal bio-oil varied widely. When compared to single-component hydrothermal bio-oils derived from lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose respectively, the addition of kitchen waste resulted in a notable enhancement of the bio-oil's overall calorific value and a reduction in its oxygen content. The findings of this study have the potential to pave the way for sustainable and economically viable processes for multi-source biomass hydrothermal bio-oil preparation.

Co-feeding biomass and municipal solid waste for enhanced hydrogen and synthetic natural gas yields employing chemical looping process

Synthetic natural gas (SNG) is a promising alternative to conventional fossil natural gas. This study proposes a chemical looping hydrogen production (CLHP)-based route for SNG synthesis and elucidates the insights and necessities of appropriately co-feeding different types of feedstocks to maximize the yields of hydrogen and subsequent SNG. A study employing microalgae (MA) and refuse-derived fuel (RDF) as biomass and municipal solid waste representatives demonstrates that blending MA with RDF in a proportion of 40 %:60 % (0.4MA-0.6RDF) eradicates oxygen carrier splitting. This boosts fuel-to-hydrogen efficiency from 74.1 % to 77.8 %, as well as subsequent thermal and exergy efficiencies of SNG production from 59.07 % and 55.8 % to 61.3 % and 57.92 %, respectively, compared to the use of MA alone. Nonetheless, blending fuels does not yield substantial economic advantages, as evidenced by the levelized cost of SNG production using pure MA and the 0.4MA-0.6RDF blend remaining at approximately 0.63 USD/Nm3.

Application of fluid rheology models for milled woody biomass and non-recyclable municipal solid waste particles

Biofuels from biomass and non-recyclable municipal solid waste (N-MSW) can potentially replace aviation fossil fuels. However, the cost-effectiveness is impeded by feedstock handling issues, such as unstable flow or jamming in hoppers and feeders. This issue can be solved mainly based on enhanced understanding of the rheology of biomass and N-MSW particles, which remains poorly understood. Leveraging discrete and continuum-based granular rheology models, in this study, we conduct industry-scale hopper flow testing of milled woody biomass, paper, cardboard, foam, thin film, and plastic particles, and investigate the potential of using fluid rheology models to characterize the hopper flow behavior. The hopper flow tests demonstrate different flow behaviors of tested materials, including fast flow, stable-to-unstable flow, and varying flow rates. Numerical simulation of hopper flow tests utilizing the Gudehus-Bauer hypoplastic model demonstrates good agreement with experimental data for the biomass and rigid plastic particles, and those using non-Newtonian fluid models exhibit promising agreement with experimental data with low computational cost. However, new fluid rheological models are required to capture the unstable and varying rate flows of highly compressible particles such as paper and foam. This study advances the knowledge on the rheology of particulate biomass and N-MSW materials for biofuel production.

Analysis of the Application Prospect of Biochar Production From Characteristic Solid Waste Biomass Resources in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Analysis of the Application Prospect of Biochar Production From Characteristic Solid Waste Biomass Resources in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Kapok-derived carbon/fly ash ceramic metacomposites with tunable negative permittivity behavior

In this paper, kapok-derived carbon/fly ash (KDC/FA) ceramic metacomposites were fabricated by vacuum hot-press sintering with FA and kapok fiber as raw materials, and their conductivity, dielectric properties, and impedance response were researched. The composition and microstructure of the metacomposites had a significantly impact on the electrical characteristics. With the increase of KDC content, a 3D conductive network was formed inside the composite, accompanied by a shift in the conductive mechanism. The tunable plasma-type negative permittivity behavior was observed. The absolute value of negative permittivity and the plasma oscillation frequency became larger as the KDC contents increased, which were consistent with the analytical results of the Drude model. This study designed and prepared a new environmental metacomposite with adjustable negative permittivity using biomass materials (kapok fibers) and solid waste (FA), which had a great significance for development of metamaterials in the future.

Effect of hybrid filler loading (Polyalthia longifolia seed and graphite) on the mechanical and thermal properties of vinyl ester composites

AbstractThis research paper focuses on the use of solid biomass waste, specifically a combination of Polyalthia longifolia seed (PLSF) and graphite (GH) powder, as reinforcements in vinyl ester (VE) composites. The composites were produced via the hand layup method, with the filler concentration varying from 0 to 15 wt% of PLSF and 0–9 wt% of graphite. The objective was to examine the influence of the hybrid filler on the mechanical characteristics of the composites. The mechanical properties of composites prepared from P. longifolia seeds and graphite powder were experimentally characterized. These properties included tensile strength, flexural strength, impact resistance, and hardness. The hybrid composite had a maximum tensile strength of 48.4 MPa, and its tensile modulus was 1.66 GPa. The hybrid filler at 15% wt% of PLSF and 6% of graphite has the highest flexural strength, which is around 148 MPa. The ultimate impact strength and hardness were measured to be 41.3 kJ/m2 and 44.5, respectively, after the addition of 15 and 6 wt% of hybrid filler. In comparison to neat vinyl ester resin, the PLSF/GH‐VE composites exhibited an increase in tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness of 2.69, 1.82, 3.03, and 1.59 times, respectively. Hybrid composite surfaces were analyzed using scanning electron microscopes to determine surface characteristics and fractured surfaces. In addition, the PLSF/GH‐VE composites have been utilized in the production of components for four‐wheelers.Highlights Investigated the impact of hybrid filler‐reinforced vinyl ester composites. Mechanical and thermal properties were experimentally characterized. Surface characteristics and fractured surfaces were examined. PLSF/GH‐VE composites are used in producing components for four‐wheelers.

Study of the Main Factors Responsible for the Phenomenon of Self-Combustion Observed in Solid Biomass Waste Piles

This article discusses the causes of wood-derived biomass self-combustion. We researched technical and academic literature on chemical processes at SENAI CIMATEC. The factors influencing spontaneous combustion are microbial activity, temperature, humidity, and the concentration of O2 and CO2. Fungus and bacteria play a leading role in microbial activity, degrading organic matter and releasing toxic and flammable gases. The temperature is crucial for monitoring this phenomenon.

Coconut-Solid-Waste-Derived Hard-Carbon Anode Materials for Fast Potassium Ion Storage

Hard carbon, which features recyclability, low costs, and environmental friendliness, is an attractive anode material for K+ storage. Nevertheless, the state-of-the-art hard carbon is still unsatisfactory due to its poor multiplication performance and unclear energy storage mechanism. In this study, a one-pot carbonisation method using coconut solid waste biomass is applied to obtain high-performance hard-carbon (CHC) anode materials. The microstructure and electrochemical properties of the CHC are investigated at different carbonisation temperatures (1100–1500 °C). The CHC materials prepared at 1300 °C (CHC1300) have a high capacity of 265.8 mAh g−1 at a current density of 25 mA g−1 and a superior cyclability of 1000 cycles at 1.0 A g−1 with a capacity retention of 96.6%. This approach, referred to as the “biomass-to-application” strategy, holds promise for advancing the development of cost-effective and sustainable KIBs.

Hydrothermal Carbonization of Waste Biomass: A Review of Hydrochar Preparation and Environmental Application

The concept of a bio-based economy has been adopted by many advanced countries around the world, and thermochemical conversion of waste biomass is recognized as the most effective approach to achieve this objective. Recent studies indicate that hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is a promising method for the conversion of waste biomass towards novel carbonaceous materials known as hydrochars. This cost-effective and eco-friendly process operates at moderate temperatures (180–280 °C) and uses water as a reaction medium. HTC has been successfully applied to a wide range of waste materials, including lignocellulose biomass, sewage sludge, algae, and municipal solid waste, generating desirable carbonaceous products. This review provides an overview of the key HTC process parameters, as well as the physical and chemical properties of the obtained hydrochar. It also explores potential applications of produced materials and highlights the modification and functionalization techniques that can transform these materials into game-changing solutions for a sustainable future.

CHARACTERIZATION AND COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PYROLYSIS OF LOW RANK COAL AND BIOMASS

Low rank coals are not used optimally, another way to increase this value is combustion without oxygen, known as pyrolysis. On the other hand, as a solid waste biomass, palm kernel shell (PKS) is a by-product of the palm oil industry that can cause environmental problems if not handled properly. In fact, the waste is plentiful and not even widely used, therefore it may also be an ideal feedstock for the pyrolysis process. This study compares the distribution of products from coal and PKS pyrolysis, and also characterizes the liquid (tar) and solid (char) products. The results show that the pyrolysis of coal produces more char, while the pyrolysis of PKS produces more gas. Higher tar yields were obtained with the pyrolysis process using PKS. GC-MS identified the main tar compounds for both materials as phenol and acetic acid, 3-methylphenol and methanol were also found in coal and PKS, respectively. The calorific value of char increased by about 5.19 % for coal and 41.12 % for PKS after pyrolysis. The other physical properties of coal and PKS are also improved after pyrolysis. Therefore, the application of pyrolysis in the use of coal and PKS can increase the added value of these two materials and contribute to alternative energy sources.

Biohydrogen Production from Waste Materials: Mini-review

Biohydrogen is a source of renewable and clean energy. Many countries are working to generate biohydrogen energy as a means of combating the present global warming trend. This review paper aims to highlight the available information on hydrogen production from municipal solid waste biomass and also highlight several factors influencing the rate of biohydrogen production and their challenges in the future. The study of hydrogen production processes was aimed at a complete understanding of modern hydrogen production technologies, both implemented in practice and under research or development. The review revealed some advantages of biological methods for producing hydrogen gas compared to chemical ones. Also, this paper identified different factors that affect the biohydrogen production process such as type of bioreactors, temperature, pH, light, nutrients. This study also brings to the surface the challenges that need attention from researchers.