High Volatile Matter Research Articles

Assessment of Rice Husk Biomass Potential for Power Generation in Pakistan

Rice husk is one of the utmost obtainable feedstock for renewable energy production and can contribute to resolving energy scarcity and environmental problems. Appropriate knowledge of the rice husk's physiochemical properties is essential for the approach of thermochemical conversion systems. The present study delivers data on proximate and ultimate analysis and heating values of rice husk collected from different regions of Sindh, Pakistan. Moisture content was found low ranging between 12.76% to 13.50% (Mean 12.98%), higher volatile matter in the range of 55.77% to 62.88% (Mean 61.19%) and ash particles of 14.50% to 16.48% (Mean 15.20%). The lower concentrations of nitrogen, 0.37% to 1.31%, (Mean 0.70%) and sulfur, 0.02% to 0.19%, (Mean 0.11%) environmentally deal with more appropriate fuel properties. The heating value of rice husk ranges varied from 5,276.33 to 6,237.13 Btu/lb (Mean 5,859.87 Btu/lb). The significant values of the rice husk samples indicated that the locally available renewable resources can be transformed into an extensive amount of energy products at a small level from active conversion techniques. Therefore, rice husk can be deliberated as appropriate fuel for energy generation and can be considered as an environmentally friendly and economically feasible fuel that helps to decline harmful pollutions.

Optimization mixing ratio of the brewery waste water sludge and coal as energy source for cement industry and fuel ash effect on the raw material composition

Brewery waste water produces sludge with high organic content, which required proper treatment before disposal. The sludge is disposed to landfill creating contamination to the ground water and surface water due to high organic content. Also, it increases the salinity of crops and the environment. Since it has potential for energy production, it can be used in the country's coal-dependent cement industry due to its energy content. The objective of this study was to characterize brewery wastewater sludge and coal, to determine the optimum mix ratio and to see the effect of mixture fuel ash content on raw mix design. Characterization of coal using American Standard Testing Material 2009 and sludge using the World Health Organization method was done and also calorific value with different mixing ratio of coal and sludge determined by a bomb calorimeter in order to find the optimum mix. By using proportionating calculation, determining the effect of mixture fuel ash on the clinker and proportion of raw materials used is done. Brewery wastewater sludge has high moisture content and volatile matter compared to coal. Also, its ash content is higher than coal's. The caloric value of brewery wastewater sludge will not allow for using it without mixing. It is found that 70% coal and 30% sludge is the optimum mix ratio. Its high amount of SiO2 (45%), Al2O3 (14%), and Fe2O3 (11%) makes it possible to substitute some portion of clay and sand stone while our lime feed increases as a result. Since mixture fuel ash content is similar with cement raw materials, brewery wastewater sludge is a good alternative for the cement industry.

Effect of Reaction Parameters on Catalytic Pyrolysis of Waste Cooking Oil for Production of Sustainable Biodiesel and Biojet by Functionalized Montmorillonite/Chitosan Nanocomposites.

The use of waste oils as pyrolysis feedstocks to manufacture high-grade biofuels has prompted researchers to focus on developing renewable energy to overcome the depletion of fossil fuel supplies and the global warming phenomena. Because of their high hydrogen and volatile matter concentration, waste oils are ideal raw materials for the production of biofuels. It is challenging to attain satisfactory results with conventional methods, such as transesterification, gasification, solvent extraction, and hydrotreating due to flaws such as high energy demand, long time, and high operating costs. Catalytic pyrolysis of waste edible oils was employed as a resource for the generation of biodiesel. The application of the catalytic cracking process has the potential to alleviate the existing situation. In this study of catalytic cracking conversion of waste cooking oil to produce different biofuels, grades were investigated using two heterogeneous catalysts. The catalysts were activated montmorillonite (PAMMT) clay and its modified form using a chitosan biopolymer (PAMMT-CH) nanocomposite. The catalysts were identified using infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction patterns, transmittance electron microscopy images, surface area, and thermal stability. The catalysts were tested for their performances using different amounts (0.1–1% by weight) at a temperature assortment of 200–400 °C during a time range of 60–300 min. The experimental studies were carried out in a batch reactor. GC mass spectra were used to investigate the catalytic cracking products. Fractional distillation is used to separate the final products from various reaction conditions. The physicochemical properties of resulting biofuels were profiled by quantifying their densities, viscosities, specific gravities, pour points, flash and fire points, cetane numbers, carbon and ash residues, and sulfur contents. The optimum conditions of the yield product were 300 and 400 °C, catalyst weights of 0.7 and 0.8% w/v, and reaction times of 120 and 180 min concerning the (PAMMT) and (PAMMT-CH) nanocomposite, respectively. The determined properties were located within the limits of the specific standards of ASTM specifications. As a result, the PAMMT nanocomposite produced biofuel comparable to biodiesel according to ASTM specifications, while the PAMMT-CH nanocomposite produced biofuel comparable to biojet.

Efek Temperatur Pengarangan Cangkang Kerang dan Tulang Sapi Terhadap Proximate

Studies on the use of animal waste as charcoal ingredient in the needs of activated charcoal material has been carried out and developed. Activated charcoal is produced through activation process at a certain temperature, condition, and time in order to creat a higher carbon content in charcoal . One of the important factors in the manufacture of activated charcoal is the temperature during the production process. The purpose of this study is to discuss the influence of temperature factor of mussel shells and beef bones on water content, ash content, volatile matter and fixed carbon during the charcoal production process. The research is carried out through experimental method of making chorcoal with temperature variations of 400, 500, 600, 700, and 800 oC. The result of the experiment shows the highest ash content and water content found respectively in beef bone charcoal of 800 oC which is 98,697 %, and of 400 oC which is 4,942 %, while the highest volatile matter and fixed carbon levels are found in clam shell charcoal of 800 oC which is 6,717 %, and of 500 oC which is 43,282 %. The result concluded that the effect of the temperature of the production process affects the water content, ash, volatile matter and fixed carbon.

Physicochemical Assessment, Pyrolysis and Thermal Characterization of Albizia Zygia Tree Sawdust

Standard methods were used to obtain proximate and ultimate parameters of Albizia zygia tree sawdust. The HHV of 16.01 MJ/ Kg, H/C of 0.127, O/C of 0.96, high volatile matter of 87.85 wt.% and low ash content of 1.55 wt.% Albizia zygia sawdust makes it a good biofuel. Its empirical formula from elemental ratios combination is CH0.127 O0.96 N0.057 . There were insignificant volumes of oxides of nitrogen and sulphur produced during its pyrolysis since %N & %S are relatively low (2.63 & 0) wt.% respectively. Its TG/DTG profile showed devolatilization of sawdust began at 230 o C and the pyrolysis temperature was in the range of 420- 600 o C. Its fixed bed pyrolysis recorded maximum value of bio-oil at 450 o C. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of oxygenated compounds in the sawdust and its crude bio-oil. The analysis of the obtained bio-oil using GC-FID showed that significant quantity of -OH compounds were produced from the sawdust through pyrolysis though the obtained quantity is not economical. Sintering and slagging-fouling indicators such as; [Na2 O + K2 O] / [SiO2 ]= 0.0695 showed (unlikely sintering inclination); Base/Acid=0.438 (low ash deposition tendency); [SiO2 ]/([Al2 O3 ]=5.44 & [Fe2 O3 ] / [CaO]=0.28 (low ash deposition tendencies respectively); slagging viscosity index= 68.58 (low slagging tendency); %(SiO2 )=55.18 (high); Babcock (Rs)= 4.38x 10-5 & Fouling indices (Fu)= 1.68x10-2 (low deposition tendencies); Total alkalis (TA) =0.0097 ( Low fouling tendency). It can be projected that improvement on pyrolysis process parameters and pre-treatment of sawdust can be used to achieve higher yield of bio-oil then consequently leading to higher quantity of alcohol compounds.

Comparisons of Cocoa Pod Husks and other Biomass Wastes for Syngas Production

In this study, the characteristics of sawdust, switch grass, cocoa pod husks, and bagasse were investigated and compared, as well as the effects of blended nickel and silicon dioxide catalysts on syngas production by gasification utilising a fluidised bed reactor. Because of their high volatile matter and cellulose content as well as low moisture content, sawdust, switch grass, cocoa pod husks, and bagasse were found to be appropriate for generating syngas. Experimental analysis was conducted on the sawdust, switch grass, cocoa pod husks and bagasse samples with and without catalyst. The grains in the samples were comparable in size, ranging from 2mm to 6mm. The catalysts were revealed to have a distinct influence on the gasification process. The efficiency of the processes improves with catalysts, while the generation of CO, CO2, HC, and NO decreases. Cocoa pod husks produced the highest HC value of 7928 ppm without catalysts while bagasse produced 1679 ppm that is the lowest HC value.

Energetic Study on Jordanian Olive Cake and Woody Biomass Materials

In this work, the potential for energy production in Jordan was explored using four distinct types of biomass samples (olive cakes, woods). The proximate analysis, oil content, and higher heating value were all determined experimentally and compared to other biomass previously published in the literature. The findings appear to be similar to other biomass materials utilized as solid biofuel feed-stock materials. Olive cake and wood samples have lower calorific values than anthracite coal, ranging from 25% to 40% lower. According to the results of this study, olive cake samples had the highest oil extractive content (14.5 wt%), followed by pine and beech woody samples with 8.9 wt% and 3.1 wt%, respectively. The calorific values of the biomass samples tested ranged from 18 to 22 MJ/kg, making them suitable for use as fuel. Moreover, the high volatile matter content (78% to 93%) was appropriate for chemical energy conversion by gasification or combustion process. Jordan can create roughly 8000 tons of pomace oil per year from the waste solid olive cake, based on existing results. Furthermore, the olive cake’s energy potential in Jordan is estimated to be 38 MW based on the higher heating value of the tested samples and the annual quantity of this resource. In the meantime, due to limited annual production, Jordanian firewood has the modest energy potential (2.4 MW).

Sulphur study of the Palaeogene coals from Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, NE India: Implications for palaeoenvironment, utilisation prospects, and environmental impacts

Coal samples of Eocene age (Shella Formation) from four different mines (Bapung, Jaintia, Sutunga, and Lakadong) of the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, Northeast India, were collected and investigated to observe the sulphur content and to understand the palaeoenvironment, utilisation prospects, and environmental impact. The study reveals that these coal samples contain sulphur in higher concentration (4.46% to 7.26%) both organic and inorganic forms. There are 3 coal seams exposed in the area. The organic sulphur is higher (2.53%-5.49%) than the inorganic forms (1.26%-1.77%). The upper seam is found to contain higher concentration of sulphur than the lower seam. Intra seam pyritic sulphur also shows an upward increasing trend. The high sulphur content in the coal seams suggests the marine influence in the peat-forming swamps. These coals are classified as High Sulphur coal (>1%) which is the main obstacle in the utilization although high volatile matter and hydrogen content strongly suggest that these coals are good for liquefaction. Moreover, during coal combustion emissions of sulphur dioxide produce acid rain, affecting the environment of the mine areas.

Evaluation of various waste cooking oils for biodiesel production: A comprehensive analysis of feedstock.

Biodiesel production from edible sources faces several challenges such as food security and cost issues. Waste cooking oils (WCOs) can be an alternative feedstock due to their large production. The comprehensive characterization of WCOs has been rarely reported in previous studies. In this study, six different WCOs including chicken oil (CO), fat, oil, and grease (FOG), beef hotpot oil (BHP), mixed waste cooking oil (MWO), duck oil (DO), and vegetable hotpot oil (VHP) were assessed for the biodiesel production. Lipid content of WCOs ranged from 73 to 84.5% with the highest C16 in DO (32.1%) and C18 in VHP (71.4%). The highest saturated (such as C16:0 and C18:0), monounsaturated (such as C18:1) and poly unsaturated (such as C18:2, and C18:3) fatty acids were 58%, 59%, and 21% in BHP, VHP, and MWO, respectively. The diverse nature of fatty acids in WCOs makes it highly recommended for biodiesel production, as its derived biodiesel complied with international standards. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of linkages specific to lipid and thermogravimetric analysis showed high volatile matter content (>97%). Biochemical composition, fatty acids profile, and the properties of the produced biodiesel demonstrated that these WCOs could be promising candidates for biodiesel production, solving waste management and socio-economic challenges of conventional feedstocks. However, the commercialization of WCOs' biodiesel requires further investigation of produced biodiesel and their petro-diesel blends on the engine performance, efficiency, and emissions (SO×, NO×, and CO×) parameters to produce quality and cost-effective biodiesel.

Investigation on gasification of coffee husk in CO2, H2O, and mixed atmospheres

AbstractCoffee husk, a residue from coffee production, could become a potential feedstock for gasification if a comprehensive engineering profile of this feedstock is well established. This study focused on investigating the coffee husk characteristics and its behaviors during pyrolysis and gasification. The proximate analysis results showed that coffee husk had a high volatile matter of 69.8 %. However, the high ash content (9.2 %) should be considered due to its negative contribution to the system. The higher heating value (HHV) of coffee husk was 18.3 MJkg‐1, comparable with woody biomass. The TGA‐ DTG results showed that the degradation of coffee husk began at 245 oC and achieved the maximum weight loss rate (Rmax = 0.4 %oC‐1) at 310 oC. Coffee husk char gasification under 20 % H2O (in N2) was about 2 times faster than under 20 % CO2 (in N2), quite similar to wood gasification. In particular, an inhibitory effect between CO2 and H2O on reactivity during gasification in the mixed atmosphere was observed. Database and results from this study would provide useful information for the design or modeling of an efficient coffee husk gasifier.

Analysis mixed characterization of Kalimantan coal and mangrove wood charcoal character as briquette raw material

This study using three types of coal from East Kalimantan and South Sulawesi Mangrove Wood Charcoal which consisted of various compositions. In sample analysis using analysis, namely: proximate, ultimate, and calorific value. Proximate analysis: ash content, volatile matter, moisture content, fixed carbon; ultimate analysis: carbon and sulfur content and the calorific value using the bomb calorimeter method. The results of the proximate analysis showed that the fixed carbon content was obtained in the mixture of MWC 75% + KJA 25% = 52.45%, while the lowest was obtained at IC 100% = 32.86%; The highest volatile matter was obtained at KJA 100% = 44.23%, the lowest was at MWC 75% + KJA 25% = 31.90%, the highest ash content was IC 100% = 9.14% the lowest was at MWC 75% + KJA 25% = 5.94% and the highest moisture content was seen at IC 100% = 15.17% but MWC 75% + IC 25% = 9.52%. The results of the ultimate analysis showed that the lowest sulfur content was in the mixed variation of MWC 75% + KJA 25% = 0.168%, while the highest sulfur content was obtained at IC 100% = 0.874%. However, it was still in the low sulfur category <1. The highest calorific value is obtained by varying the composition at MWC 75% + IC 25% = 5919 cal/gram, while the lowest was obtained at KJA 100% = 4913 cal/gram. So based on this research, the addition of mangrove charcoal is very good for increasing the calorific value.

Characteristics of low-rank and medium-rank Indonesian coal using the TG-DSC method

Low-rank and medium-rank coal are dominant coal resources in Indonesia. Considering the decisive role of coal in coal-fired power plants, it is crucial to examine the combustion characteristics before burning coal in the boiler. This paper presents the effect of moisture content, heating value, and volatile matter on ignition temperature and burn out of five samples of low-rank coal and five samples of medium-rank coal using TG-DSC analysis which was carried out using LINSEIS High-Pressure STA at atmospheric pressure with an air rate of 25 ml/min and heating rate of 10 °C/min. The investigation results show that low-rank coal with the higher volatile matter has tremendous reactivity and is more flammable, and favours of burning through itself than medium-rank coal. Medium-rank coal has better combustion with short residence time because it has a lower burnout temperature (Tbo) value than low-rank coal. However, medium-rank coal burns more instantly because it has a lower temperature interval than low-rank coal. Medium-rank coal, which has fixed carbon and higher heating value, but lower moisture content, has a higher Rmax value than low-rank coal. In conjunction with these properties, it is crucial to examine the implementation in boilers.

Combustion Characteristics of Coal, Petroleum Coke, Biomass, and Their Ternary Blends

Abstract This work presents the combustion characteristics of coal, petroleum coke (PC), rice straw (RS), mustard cake (MC), and their blends to assess the applicability of blended fuel for thermal power generation. Characterization results show that PC has the highest gross calorific value (GCV) (35,990 kJ/kg) to improve the overall energy density of the blend significantly. Higher volatile matter (VM) present in RS and MC improved the ignition behavior and combustion efficiency of the blend. For 10 °C/min heating rate at 350 °C, with the increase in RS in blends from 10% to 30%, combustion efficiency increased from 12.85% to 32.66%. Synergistic analysis signifies that higher biomass content enhances blends’ combustion characteristics through catalytic effects of alkali oxides present in RS/MC. Thermodynamic analysis (ΔH, ΔG, and ΔS) inferred that RS and MC combustion is easier than coal and PC. With the increase in MC in blends from 10% to 30%, ΔH decreased from 114.81 to 82.31 kJ/mol, ΔG declined from 159.33 to 122.86 kJ/mol, and ΔS improved from −63.59 to −58.14 J/mol · K, indicating blending of biomass improved the combustion.

Pyrolysis of waste oils for the production of biofuels: A critical review

The application of waste oils as pyrolysis feedstocks to produce high-grade biofuels is receiving extensive attention, which will diversify energy supplies and address environmental challenges caused by waste oils treatment and fossil fuel combustion. Waste oils are the optimal raw materials to produce biofuels due to their high hydrogen and volatile matter content. However, traditional disposal methods such as gasification, transesterification, hydrotreating, solvent extraction, and membrane technology are difficult to achieve satisfactory effects owing to shortcomings like enormous energy demand, long process time, high operational cost, and hazardous material pollution. The usage of clean and safe pyrolysis technology can break through the current predicament. The bio-oil produced by the conventional pyrolysis of waste oils has a high yield and HHV with great potential to replace fossil fuel, but contains a high acid value of about 120 mg KOH/g. Nevertheless, the application of CaO and NaOH can significantly decrease the acid value of bio-oil to close to zero. Additionally, the addition of coexisting bifunctional catalyst, SBA-15@MgO@Zn in particular, can simultaneously reduce the acid value and positively influence the yield and quality of bio-oil. Moreover, co-pyrolysis with plastic waste can effectively save energy and time, and improve bio-oil yield and quality. Consequently, this paper presents a critical and comprehensive review of the production of biofuels using conventional and advanced pyrolysis of waste oils.

Characteristics and combustion kinetics of fuel pellets composed of waste of polyethylene terephthalate and biomass

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The needs of fuel pellets from varied feed stocks have opened up opportunities and challenges for pellets production from non-woody biomass. Wastes of plastic recycling and wood sawing contained a high potential for energy source and suited for pelletizing as a solid fuel. METHODS: The characteristics and combustion kinetics of fuel pellets made using a mixture of waste of polyethylene terephthalate and biomass (Tectona grandis Linn.f) with a polyethylene terephthalate to biomass ratio of 9:1. The investigation covered physico-chemical properties and their functional group analysis, heavy metal concentration and ionic leachability testing, and ash analysis. In this context, thermogravimetric analysis was used in an atmosphere of oxygen gas, over a temperature range of 50-800 °C and at different heating rates. The work ends with discussion of the kinetics study via three comparative evaluations and the feasibility of fuel pellets for energy utilization. FINDINGS: Pelletizing with this ratio (9:1) was present the durability of PET/biomass pellets, a uniform dimension, ease handling, storage, and transportation common as woody pellets. Some technical challenges such as low moisture content and high volatile matter content were feedstock dependent. The major characteristics were a combination of those from both the constituent materials. Functional groups of the pellets were contributed by terephthalate and lignocellulose. The addition of a small amount of biomass in pellets could improve their thermal decomposition behavior. The properties of the polyethylene terephthalate/biomass pellets indicated that were fit for combustion with a high heating value equal to 19.20 MJ/kg. Heavy metals and ionic contaminants were below the maximum limits of the standards because of the cleanliness of the raw materials. However, the minor effects of earth materials and a caustic soda detergent were resulted in the alteration of residue chemicals. The pellets had lower ignition, devolatilization, and burnout temperatures than the original polyethylene terephthalate waste; likewise, the peak and burnout temperatures shifted to a lower zone. The activation energy values obtained using the Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose, Ozawa-Flynn-Wall, and Starink models were similar and in the range 142–146 kJ/mol. CONCLUSION: These findings may provide crucial information on fuel pellets from blended polyethylene terephthalate/biomass to assist the design and operation of a co-combustion system with traditional solid fuels. Such modifications of fuel pellets suggest the possibility of operating in large-scale furnace applications and can further be upgraded to other fuels production via modern bioenergy conversion processes.

Inhibitory and synergistic effects on thermal behaviour and char characteristics during the co-pyrolysis of biomass and single-use plastics

The co-pyrolytic behaviour of single-use plastics (Polystyrene, Low-density polyethylene) and Eucalyptus biomass was investigated at variable temperatures (300, 400, 500, and 600 °C) and the effects of their interactions on the characteristics of solid chars were also studied. The variation in thermal profiles of ‘Δ Mass loss%’ showed the inhibitory and synergistic effects of plastics on the biomass degradation, resulting in higher and lower yields of char composite, respectively. The blend containing polystyrene exhibited the highest synergistic (Δ M ≈ 15.1) and inhibitory (Δ M ≈ - 4) effects. The thermal kinetics of blends also indicated the presence of both the effects through relatively higher and lower apparent activation energies compared to the calculated, before and during the degradation of plastics. Despite low fixed carbon contents and high volatile matter, polymer-coated char composites had higher fuel value indices (36–136%), energy yields (1–26%) and calorific values (15–21%), relative to biochar. After the complete degradation of plastics, char composites exhibited higher values of electrical conductivity (2–40%), surface area (15–64%), and cation exchange capacity (5–19%). These properties advocate the flexibility of char composites' applicability as solid fuel or soil amender depending on the optimized conditions of co-pyrolysis.

Trapping of uranium by organic matter within sandstones during mineralization process: A case study from the Shuanglong uranium deposit, China

Carbonaceous debris (i.e., CD), dispersed organic matter (i.e., DOM) within sandstones, has been studied in the Shuanglong uranium deposit of the southern Ordos Basin, northern China. Relations of uranium enrichment and organic matter (i.e., OM) were investigated through maceral analyses, proximate analysis, vitrinite reflectance measurements, and morphology analyses of uranium minerals. The results show that CD widely distributed in sandstones, is associated with pyrite and uranium minerals. Macerals are mostly composed of telinite, collotelinite, collodetrinite, semifusinite, and inertodetrinite, including that collotelinite is dominant (contents more than 60%). The CD is at the stage of medium coalification, and is of low moisture, high ash, high volatile matter, medium fixed carbon, and high sulfur. Uranium occurs in uranium minerals (i.e., pitchblende and coffinite) and amorphous uranium. Moreover, uranium minerals partly or completely replace macerals. Statistical analyses show that porous inertinite and higher organic matter maturity is more advantageous to uranium enrichment. Additionally, uranium is unevenly distributed in macerals along certain directions, which is related to the physicochemical properties of macerals. Porous inertinite could provide channel for uranium-bearing fluid migration and space for uranium preconcentration. The CD at the stage of gas coal is of reducibility to be favorable for the forming of uranium minerals. Moreover, the relative atomic content of uranium (IV) increases with the increasing organic matter maturity. Uranium-bearing fluid could permeate into macerals under certain physical and chemical conditions, and react, i.e., adsorption followed by reduction. It is beneficial to comprehend the mechanism of uranium mineralization, providing certain guides for prospection.

Study of Combustion Characteristics and Kinetics of Agriculture Briquette Using Thermogravimetric Analysis.

The present paper was aimed to investigate the physicochemical properties and combustion characteristics of corn straw briquette as a fuel energy. The results of physicochemical properties displayed that corn straw briquette has higher volatile matter, lower ash content, and higher heating value. Combustion characteristics and kinetic analysis were investigated using thermogravimetry analysis at various heating rates of 10, 15, and 20 °C/min. It was observed that the maximum burning rate shifted to a higher temperature as the heating rate increased. In addition, a lower heating rate would help in better heat transfer, leading to less mass residual. In contrast, the combustion characteristic index showed a nearly 2-fold increase under a higher heating rate, indicating a good combustion performance. The combustion kinetics were expressed using isoconversional methods with Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose and Ozawa–Flynn–Wall methods, which authenticated the average activation energy at 108.85 and 114.42 kJ/mol, respectively. These results can provide a theoretical basis and data support for further utilization of agriculture biomass briquette.

Characterization of Hydrogel and Fly Ash from Biomass

This study aims to produce an efficient adsorbent derived from 4 different biomass and to study the characterization of blending hydrogel from 4 different biomass. Type of material used to produce biochar is corn husk(CH), rice husk(RH), sugarcane bagasse(SB), and sawdust(SW). These four materials are blending with fly ash with different ratios. For hydrogel preparation, Acrylamide (AAm) is used as the monomer, N, N’ – methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinker, and ammonium persulfate (APS) as an initiator. This hydrogel – biochar is then characterized by Brunauer – Emmet – Teller (BET) surface area analysis, Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), and swelling test analysis. Seven samples are analyzed for each raw material: fly ash hydrogel(FA) and corn husk hydrogel. For example like SW: FA (1.0:0), SW: FA (0.8:0.2), SW: FA (0.6:0.4), SW: FA (0.5:0.5), SW: FA (0.4:0.6), SW:FA (02:08) and lastly SW:FA (0:1.0). Repeated with the same ratio for the other biomasses. For BET surface area analysis, samples with large surface areas and high pore volumes are suitable for the adsorbent. SW: FA (0.8:0.2) has the largest surface area, which is 6.9966 m2/g, while the total pore volume is the highest compared to the other samples. In a proximate analysis, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) determined the moisture content, ash content, fixed carbon content, and volatile matter content. A sample with the high volatile matter, high carbon content, and low ash content is more economically attractive. Sample of SW :FA (0.8:0.2) has high moisture content, fixed carbon, volatile matter, and has the lowest ash content among all. All the samples showed a positive impact on the swelling test. Therefore, a sample of SW: FA (0.8:0.2) is the best and suitable to use as an adsorbent.

Production of functionalized carbon from synergistic hydrothermal liquefaction of microalgae and swine manure

Conventional approaches of making biochars are typically through single sourcing of the feedstock. Here, we hypothesize that multi sourcing can be used to develop tailored functionalized biochar where select functional groups are inherently grafted onto the biochar surface. To test this hypothesis, we used hydrothermal co-liquefaction to produce biochar from various blends of microalgae Cyanidioschyzon merolae (CM) and swine manure (SM). We further characterized each biochar's physicochemical and surface properties to qualify them for applications in construction and manufacturing. In the blended cases, 20–80 CM-SM had the highest biochar yield of 27.06 wt.%, while 80–20 CM-SM had the highest volatile matter, 32.2%. The crystallinity of the biochars ranged from 40–55%. The specific surface area was measured to be in the range of 1.53–5.86 m2/g and average pore size was in the range of 250–360.56 Å. The study results showed presence of functional groups such as alcohols, amides, free fatty acids/esters, cyclic- and straight-chain hydrocarbons on the surface of biochar, which could in turn promote biochar's application as a free-radical scavenger in construction and manufacturing. It should be noted that the use of biochar as a soil amendment is not enough to address the growing piles of biowaste. The outcomes of this study could enable development of non-conventional applications for functionalized biochar. Considering the urgent need for forest management and biowaste valorization, developing viable applications for biochar is significant not only for resource conservation, but also for forest management and environmental sustainability.