Empty Fruit Bunch Research Articles

Pyrolysis Characteristics of Empty Fruit Bunches at Different Temperatures and Heating Rates

EFB is a biomass waste primarily generated in Southeast Asia, and its pyrolysis enables both waste management and conversion into valuable products. In pyrolysis, the heating rate is a crucial factor; however, studies on its influence on EFB are extremely limited. This study investigates the pyrolysis characteristics of EFB by analyzing product properties based on reaction temperature and heating rate. TGA showed that the thermal decomposition of EFB begins at approximately 210 °C and is largely complete by 400 °C. Furthermore, kinetic analysis using TGA data, applying both differential and integral methods, revealed distinct trends. Through pyrolysis experiments using a fixed-bed reactor, the yield analysis of products under varying reaction temperatures and heating rates demonstrated that higher temperatures promote pyrolysis, leading to a decrease in biochar yield and an increase in gas product yield. For liquid products, a higher heating rate suppressed secondary reactions and led to an increase in the yield of the aqueous phase. Gas product characterization revealed that CO and CO2 formation began simultaneously at approximately 270 °C. GC-MS analysis of the liquid products recovered under different pyrolysis conditions showed that most compounds contained oxygen, originating from hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin. Additionally, FT-IR analysis of the biochar confirmed that oxygen-containing functional groups decomposed as pyrolysis progressed, and the presence of turbostratic carbon and crystallinity influenced by trace inorganic elements was identified.

Investigating the Effect of HCL Pre-Treatment and Single Step Impregnation-Activation Carbon of K<sub>2</sub>FeO<sub>4</sub>- KOH Catalyst on the Graphitization Process of Empty Palm Oil Fruit Bunches

The conversion of biomass to graphite requires a catalyst to promote the graphitization process. Effective pre-treatment and activation of the carbon precursor are crucial for improving the efficiency and success of biomass graphitization using metal catalysts. In this work, we investigate the combined effects of HCl pre-treatment and single-step impregnation carbon with K2FeO4, along with KOH activation, on the graphitization process of Empty Palm Oil Fruit Bunches (EPOFB). X-ray fluorescence (XRF) data reveal that HCl pre-treatment effectively eliminates significant impurities, such as alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, and transition metals, which can hinder the graphitization process. XRD and Raman spectroscopy results indicate that the combination of HCl pre-treatment and single-step impregnation carbon with K2FeO4, along with KOH activation significantly improves the graphitic quality of the carbon. High-quality graphitic carbon with an IG/ID ratio of 12.35 for the sample CpreHCl_K2FeO4(0.07)_KOH_1200 (EPOFB carbon pre-treated with HCl, followed by impregnation with K2FeO4 and activation with KOH, and then pyrolyzed at 1200°C). This particular sample displays a porous surface morphology and has a surface area of 876.407 m²/g. This study underscores the importance of acid pre-treatment and chemical activation in optimizing the preparation of high-quality graphitic carbon from biomass.

Oil palm empty fruit bunch reinforced laminated composites: effect of different recycled plastic and matrix composition

Oil palm empty fruit bunch reinforced laminated composites: effect of different recycled plastic and matrix composition

Deep eutectic solvent pretreatment of oil palm biomass: Promoted lignin pyrolysis and enzymatic digestibility of solid residues.

Deep eutectic solvent pretreatment of oil palm biomass: Promoted lignin pyrolysis and enzymatic digestibility of solid residues.

Physical Characteristics of Biodegradable Pots from Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB) and Sawdust Waste as Planting Media

Physical Characteristics of Biodegradable Pots from Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB) and Sawdust Waste as Planting Media

Upgrading bio-oil production via catalytic co-pyrolysis of oil palm empty fruit bunch and low-density polyethylene using clinoptilolite catalyst

Upgrading bio-oil production via catalytic co-pyrolysis of oil palm empty fruit bunch and low-density polyethylene using clinoptilolite catalyst

Microwaved-induced co-pyrolysis of used engine lubricant and palm empty fruit bunch for alternative fuel recovery

Microwaved-induced co-pyrolysis of used engine lubricant and palm empty fruit bunch for alternative fuel recovery

Fluorescent Sensing of Fe3+ in Acidic Environment by Carbon Dots Derived From Empty Fruit Bunch Biochar: Central Composite Design Optimization.

A rapid, eco-friendly, and selective monitoring of Fe(III) in real media utilizing carbon dots (CDs) as a luminescence detector has been reported. CDs were fabricated by a hydrothermal route from empty fruit bunch biochar. The as-synthesized CDs were analyzed using various analytical tools. The results reveal that CDs have spherical shapes with a narrow particle size distribution and are enriched with multiple active sites, which impart excellent hydrophilicity and photostability. The CDs displayed bright blue emission under UV light with emission/excitation maxima at 452/350 nm, respectively, and a QY of 7.54%. The CDs exhibited high resistance to photobleaching and high salt conditions and pose a long lifetime of up to 6 months with no agglomeration. The detection variables, including pH, temperature, and CDs concentration, were optimized via response surface methodology. The statistical data verified the precision of the quadratic model for predicting the sensing performance of the nanoprobe. Under optimal environments, a linear range from 0 to 50 μM and a detection limit of 0.17 μM was obtained. The turn-off process includes the strong coordination between Fe(III) and electron-donating oxygen species on the edge of CDs. The rapid luminescence recognition using acid-free materials renders CDs a promising option for water treatment.

A Review on “Utilization of Recycled and Waste Materials in Construction Applications”

In order to move towards a sustainable construction, it is relevant to implement waste management policies in the construction sector that promote closed-loop material cycle. In this context, utilization of wastes as secondary construction materials represents an important path to reduce the extraction of huge quantities of primary raw materials. The continuous global demand for infrastructure due to persistent increase in population growth implies that more aggregate would be required in concrete production. In concrete construction, aggregates are one of the main ingredients in producing concrete that covers 75% of the total concrete. This would eventually lead to more extraction and depletion of natural resources and increased carbon emission.More production equals more waste, more waste creates environmental concerns of toxic threat. An economical viable solution to this problem should include utilization of waste materials for new products which in turn minimize the heavy burden on the nation’s landfills. Recycling of waste construction materials saves natural resources, saves energy, reduces solid waste, reduces air and water pollutants and reduces greenhouse gases. The construction industry can start being aware of and take advantage of the benefits of using waste and recycled materials. Studies have investigated the use of acceptable waste, recycled and reusable materials and methods. The use of swine manure, animal fat, silica fume, roofing shingles, empty palm fruit bunch, citrus peels, cement kiln dust, fly ash, foundry sand, slag, glass, plastic, carpet, tire scraps, asphalt pavement and concrete aggregate in construction is becoming increasingly popular due to the shortage and increasing cost of raw materials. In this study a questionnaire survey targeting experts from construction industry was conducted in order to investigate the current practices of the uses of waste and recycled materials in the construction industry. This study presents an initial understanding of the current strengths and weaknesses of the practice intended to support construction industry in developing effective policies regarding uses of waste and recycled materials as construction materials.

Technoeconomic feasibility of date palm waste gasification: a pathway to green hydrogen production

AbstractDate palm waste, an abundant resource in the Middle East, has strong potential for sustainable energy production. This study presents a technoeconomic analysis of green hydrogen production through gasification of three types of date palm residues – empty fruit bunches (EFB), fronds, and trunks – using Cycle‐Tempo software. The analysis focuses on optimizing the process based on industrially relevant economic criteria, including internal rate of return (IRR), the payback period (PBT), and sensitivity to hydrogen price fluctuations. The results showed hydrogen yields of approximately 100, 91, and 60 kg t−1 for EFB, fronds, and trunks, respectively. For the EFB‐fed plant, the PBT was 6 years, with an IRR of 14%, making it the most financially attractive option. Sensitivity analysis revealed that a 20% increase in hydrogen price could significantly enhance profitability, reducing the PBT to less than 4 years. This work provides two main contributions: (1) it addresses the lack of comprehensive technoeconomic evaluations for converting agricultural waste into green hydrogen, and (2) it defines the industrial conditions for viable implementation. The findings demonstrate that using EFB as feedstock can offer a competitive alternative to fossil fuels, potentially yielding annual savings of up to $3.3 million for a medium‐scale plant. These results are important for investors, policymakers, and industries aiming to transition to low‐carbon hydrogen production while leveraging local biomass resources.

Transesterification of Waste Cooking Oil Utilizing Potassium Doped Empty Fruit Bunches Ash Heterogeneous Catalyst

The growing demand for fossil fuels has prompted the exploration of alternative sustainable energy sources like biodiesel, renowned for its renewable nature and eco-friendliness. Empty fruit bunch ash (EFBA) has attracted significant interest due to its composition of various metal oxides, making it a promising option for creating high-performance heterogeneous catalysts. The synthesis of EFBA involves the co-precipitation method, where it is activated by KOH catalyst, denoted to as K/EFBA. This method enables the metal oxides in EFBA to bond with KOH, forming a catalyst with mixed metal oxides that enhances catalytic efficiency and prevents the loss of active sites. The K/EFBA catalyst exhibits a robust basicity of 2215.05 μmol/g, with more active sites resulting from the interaction of metal oxides, capable of converting waste cooking oil (WCO) into fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). Optimal conditions for transesterification of WCO, including a 7 wt% catalyst loading, 45 minutes reaction time, and a 12:1 methanol to oil ratio, yielded a biodiesel output of 70.51%. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) analysis identified six peaks corresponding to different FAME groups, such as lauric acid methyl ester, myristic acid methyl ester, palmitic acid methyl ester, oleic acid methyl ester, and linoleic acid methyl ester. These results underscore the potential of the K/EFBA catalyst in converting WCO into biodiesel.

Impact of Paenibacillus polymyxa Amendment on Soil Bacterial Communities and Physicochemical Properties in Sandy Soil Restoration

Soil infertility is a significant challenge in achieving sustainable agricultural practices. In this regard, the chemical fertilizer usage is not an environmentally friendly solution. Organic amendment and bacterial inoculation can positively restore soil quality, enhancing biogeochemical nutrient cycles. In this study, we assessed the effect of adding plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) alongside organic amendments on the physicochemical parameters of sandy-loam soils. Over a 90-day pot experiment, we measured organic matter accumulation, physicochemical, chemical variation trends and changes in microbial community assemblages. Working on the joint application could have a synergistic effect; different agro wastes spent such as mushroom substrate (SMS), empty fruit bunch (EFB) of palm oil and pineapple leaf (PL) residue was amended with Paenibacillus polymyxa ATCC 825 and effective microorganism. Significant changes in soil properties (physicochemical and microbial community) due to the application of P. polymyxa and SMS-amended material were observed after incubation. On average, an increase in water holding capacity, soil pH and mineral content availability was significantly higher than other amended materials. Compared to others, the organic amendment significantly increased sandy-soil aggregation content by 44%. In addition, increased taxonomic diversity in phyla composition was observed with an abundance of Proteobacteria (33%), Firmicutes (18%), Actinobacteria (14%), Bacteriodata (12%), and Verrucomicrobia (6%). The findings indicate that the addition of SMS amendment with bacterial inoculation is beneficial for problematic soil recovery. The incorporation of bacterial inoculation, specifically P. polymyxa ATCC 825, following organic amendment, seems to have a greater positive effect on the soil characteristics.

Field Evaluation of Biochar Application on the Early Growth of Falcataria moluccana: Effects of Pyrolysis Temperatures and Biochar Application Rates

Faltacaria moluccana at its early plantation, is devastated by heat and water stress due to current global climate change. Production forests in Indonesia suggested to use biochar to enhance the durability of early growth F. moluccana in the field. Empty fruit bunches (EFB), a gigantic abundant waste material in Indonesia, pose its potential as biochar feedstock. This study aims to evaluate the effects of EFB biochar on the growth of F. moluccana for one year in a field setting. The experiment used two biochar application rates (25 and 50 tons/ha) and biochar produced at two pyrolysis temperatures (400°C and 600°C). Climatic factors (rainfall and average temperature) were monitored to assess how biochar interacted with field conditions to influence the growth of F. moluccana. EFB biochar increased height and diameter increment by up to 25% and 42%, respectively, compared to control after one year. While pyrolysis temperatures show no impact on growth, biochar application rates of 25 and 50 tons/ha significantly boost diameter increments by 36% and 42%, respectively, compared to controls, without affecting height. Biochar also improves monthly growth increments under water and heat stress. EFB biochar optimizes growth under current climate conditions in Indonesia and mitigates the negative effects of extreme temperature fluctuations. Keywords: biochar, early plant growth, empty fruit bunch, Faltacaria moluccana, field experiment

The effect of turning frequency on the compost dynamics and quality derived from empty fruit bunches, <i>Azolla microphylla</i>, and active organic fertilizer

The effect of turning frequency on the compost dynamics and quality derived from empty fruit bunches, <i>Azolla microphylla</i>, and active organic fertilizer

Predictive Modelling of Ethanol Production from Biomass Pretreated with Ionic Liquids Using SuperPro Designer

Abstract The research focuses on optimizing ethanol production from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) by utilizing various ionic liquids (ILs) for pretreatment. These ILs include 1-butyl imidazole, 1-butyl 3-methylimidazolium chloride, and choline acetate (ChOAc) as biocompatible IL. The study employs the SuperPro Designer (SPD) software to simulate the ethanol biorefinery process, incorporating pretreatment, enzyme-mediated saccharification, and fermentation stages. The SPD model underwent validation against published data regarding the cholinium ionic liquid-facilitated processing of OPEFB biomass, setting an IL/biomass ratio of 1.5 (g/g). Investigations into the ionic liquid-facilitated pretreatment of OPEFB plant material suggest that an IL/biomass ratio of 0.5 is optimal for achieving the highest ethanol yield. After 72 hours of high-loading enzymatic saccharification, the amounts of glucose that were found were 98 g/L for 1-butyl imidazole, 130 g/L for 1-butyl 3-methylimidazolium chloride, and 138 g/L for OPEFB that had been treated with ChOAc. Similarly, xylose concentrations were consistent across treatments, with 33 g/L for the first two ILs and 32 g/L for ChOAc. After co-fermentation, ethanol concentrations of 70 g/L for 1-butyl imidazole IL, 85 g/L for 1-butyl 3-methylimidazolium chloride IL, and 92 g/L for ChOAc IL were found after 24 hours. These amounts equal 96%, 97%, and 96% of the theoretical sugar-based ethanol yield. The utilization of SPD simulation in ethanol production from biomass like OPEFB demonstrates the potential to reduce production costs and satisfies the criteria for future research demands.

Fabrication of water-stable soy protein isolate (SPI)/ carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) scaffold sourced from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) for bone tissue engineering

Fabrication of water-stable soy protein isolate (SPI)/ carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) scaffold sourced from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) for bone tissue engineering

Effect of physiochemical parameters on yield and biological efficiency of Volvariella volvacea cultivated on empty fruit bunch pellets.

Effect of physiochemical parameters on yield and biological efficiency of Volvariella volvacea cultivated on empty fruit bunch pellets.

Bioconversion of oil palm empty fruit bunch and kernel meal by black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) as an alternative protein and fat sources

Bioconversion of oil palm empty fruit bunch and kernel meal by black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) as an alternative protein and fat sources

The Impact of Carbonization Temperature on The Quality of Empty Fruit Bunch Charcoal and Palm Kernel Charcoal for Co-Firing Application

Biomass is a renewable energy source that can be processed into charcoal through a carbonisation process, which depends on temperature to improve the quality of the charcoal produced. This research focuses on the utilisation of Oil Palm Fronds (OPF) and Palm Kernel Shells (PKS) as biomass feedstock in an effort to produce an alternative fuel that can be used in the co-firing process with Low Rank Coal (LRC). This study heats palm fronds and shells at 300°C to 600°C, then measures moisture content, ash content, calorific value, and sulfur content. Based on the results, a temperature of 600°C was identified as the optimal condition for the OPF and PKS drying process. At this temperature, a significant decrease in moisture content is directly proportional to the increase in ash content and calorific value, indicating an improvement in fuel quality. The highest calorific values achieved were 6095.35 kcal/kg for OPF and 7364.81 kcal/kg for PKS. In addition, the sulphur content of the charred biomass is much lower than that of coal, which provides an advantage in terms of cleaner emissions. In comparison with LRC, the charred biomass showed better quality in terms of calorific value and lower sulphur content, despite the higher ash content of the biomass. OPF and PKS that have undergone the charring process offer a more environmentally friendly fuel alternative and have the potential to replace LRC in combustion applications, resulting in lower emissions. This study thus reinforces the potential of oil palm biomass as a promising renewable energy source.

Magnetite Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots from Empty Fruit Bunches for Tramadol Removal

Tramadol is a widely used pain medication detected in wastewater treatment plants, prompting concerns about its impact on the environment and the effectiveness of wastewater treatment. Nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (NCQDs) can be used to remove pollutants from the contaminated water sources. However, NCQDs can hardly be recovered after applications, leading to high regeneration costs. Thus, this study aims to explore the use of magnetite nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (magnetite NCQDs) fabricated from empty fruit bunches (EFBs) to remove tramadol from wastewater treatment. Various analytical methods were conducted to characterize the magnetite NCQDs. Magnetite NCQDs showed excellent separation and aggregate-free properties. This study investigated the effect of the initial concentration of tramadol, the dosage of magnetite NCQD adsorbent, and the contact time while keeping other parameters constant. Tramadol was efficiently adsorbed within 40 min with an adsorption efficiency of over 85.9% and further photodegraded by 4.5% after being exposed to UV light after undergoing photocatalysis for 50 min. Magnetite NCQDs exhibited outstanding properties in removing tramadol after undergoing five cycles. This research provides a promising approach for developing a highly efficient adsorbent for treating tramadol-contaminated wastewater.