Waste Biomass Research Articles

A green extraction technology of lignocellulose from cassava residue by mechanical activation-assisted ternary deep eutectic solvent

Lignocellulose (LC) is a natural polymer material that holds immense potential for various applications. However, extracting LC from biomass wastes with high-starch content has been challenging due to low selectivity and yield. In this study, LC was prepared from cassava residue (CR) via a combination of mechanical activation pretreatment and a citric acid (CA)-enhanced ternary deep eutectic solvent (TDES) consisting of choline chloride (ChCl), lactic acid (LA), and CA. The mechanical activation reduces the size of CR, greatly promoting the removal ability for starch, lignin and hemicellulose using TDES, and thus improving yield and selectivity of LC through this method. The CA esterified LC to prevent its excessive hydrolysis and increased a significantly higher LC content (82.52 wt%) compared to mechanical activation only and DES without CA, increasing by 6.97 times and 1.26 times, respectively. The extraction temperature significantly affected the structure, composition, thermal stability of LC and the properties of recovered TDES. The LC extracted at 90 °C (LC-90) had the highest cellulose content (82.52 wt%), crystallinity index (44.82 %), and higher degradation temperature (339.7 °C). The properties of the recovered TDES and extraction mechanism were analyzed. This study provides a strategy for the high-value utilization of biomass waste.

Upcycling lignocellulosic palm biomass via Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) composting incorporated with Ex-situ fermentation by Bacillus Subtilis

The growing demand of palm oil has caused expanding deforestation- one of the root causes for global warming. Drawn from the recent Conferences of the Parties (COP) 28, 39 % reduction in global carbon emission would need to be met by 2030 and this requires cooperation from all nations. Hence, the palm oil-producing nations could play their parts by upcycling palm waste biomass to promote sustainable palm oil production. Oil palm frond (OPF), a highly abundant biomass resulted from fruit pruning remains underutilized – mainly due to the undesirable biomass moisture level and low conversion technology readiness in the region. Composting OPF via Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) was proposed to overcome the technological barrier. However, OPF was not palatable for BSFL mainly being nutritionally deficient and highly lignocellulosic. Hence, ex-situ fermentation via Bacillus subtilis followed by blending with decanter cake (DC), nitrogenous palm waste was studied prior to BSFL composting. Results showed that treatment E (OPF:DC 3:7 wt) led to the highest BSFL weight gain (49 %) and biomass degradation (58 %) after 20 rearing days. The reared larvae consisted of 30 % and 22 % crude protein and lipid, respectively – making them an ideal insect meal. Overall, this research aims to give a preliminary overview of employing BSFL in composting highly recalcitrant palm waste biomass.

Oxidative Cleavage of Aromatic C-O Linkages by Oxoammonium Salts.

Oxidative cleavage of aromatic C(sp2)-O bond is important to the conversion of biomass and plastic wastes into value-added chemicals. Here we put forward the oxidative cleavage of para-C-O bonds in phenolic compounds in use of oxoammonium salts as oxidant and water as the oxygen source. The mechanism is that oxoammonium cation activates water to form hydroxy-oxoammonium adduct and thus realizes the ipso-substitution of 4-alkoxyphenol, which is proved by substituent effect, isotope labelling experiments, and kinetic analysis. Furthermore, this protocol is successfully applied into the depolymerization of both lignin model compounds with α-O-5 and 4-O-5 linkages and polyphenylene oxide (PPO).

Investigation of the Use of Waste Biomass Fuels in the Production of Syngas in a Downdraft Reactor: A CFD Analysis

Investigation of the Use of Waste Biomass Fuels in the Production of Syngas in a Downdraft Reactor: A CFD Analysis

An innovative recyclable deep eutectic solvent-ultrasound pretreatment of pineapple leaf waste biomass for enhanced bioethanol production

An innovative recyclable deep eutectic solvent-ultrasound pretreatment of pineapple leaf waste biomass for enhanced bioethanol production

Valorization of Eggshell as Renewable Materials for Sustainable Biocomposite Adsorbents—An Overview

The production and buildup of eggshell waste represents a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge is that uncontrolled disposal of generated eggshell waste relates to a sustainability concern for the environment. The opportunity relates to utilization of this biomass resource via recycling for waste valorization, cleaner production, and development of a circular economy. This review explores the development of eggshell powder (ESP) from eggshell waste and a coverage of various ESP composite sorbents with an emphasis on their potential utility as adsorbent materials for model pollutants in solid–liquid systems. An overview of literature since 2014 outlines the development of eggshell powder (ESP) and ESP composite adsorbents for solid–liquid adsorption processes. The isolation and treatment of ESP in its pristine or modified forms by various thermal or chemical treatments, along with the preparation of ESP biocomposites is described. An overview of the physico-chemical characterization of ESP and its biocomposites include an assessment of the adsorption properties with various model pollutants (cations, anions, and organic dyes). A coverage of equilibrium and kinetic adsorption isotherm models is provided, along with relevant thermodynamic parameters that govern the adsorption process for ESP-based adsorbents. This review reveals that ESP biocomposite adsorbents represent an emerging class of sustainable materials with tailored properties via modular synthetic strategies. This review will serve to encourage the recycling and utilization of eggshell biomass waste and its valorization as potential adsorbent systems. The impact of such ESP biosorbents cover a diverse range of adsorption-based applications from environmental remediation to slow-release fertilizer carrier systems in agricultural production.

Effective removal of Pb (II) from wastewater by zinc-iron bimetallic oxide-modified walnut shell biochar: A combined experimental and DFT calculation approach

The modified walnut shell biochar (WBC) was prepared through zinc-iron bimetallic oxide modification (ZF@WBC) at 600 °C under oxygen-limited conditions in this study. Through adsorption experiments, characterization analyses, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the adsorption properties of ZF@WBC to Pb (II) were investigated and the mechanism underlying such adsorption was elucidated. Characterization results showed that the surface area (375.9709 m2/g) and total pore volume (0.205319 cm3/g) of ZF@WBC were significantly greater than those of walnut shell biochar. The maximum adsorption capacity of ZF@WBC for Pb (II) was found to be 104.26 mg/g, which is 2.57 times higher than that of WBC according to the adsorption experiments conducted. The observed adsorption behavior followed both the pseudo-second-order (PSO) kinetic model and Langmuir isothermal adsorption model, suggesting that chemisorption plays a major role in the absorption process. Based on SEM, XRD, XPS, FTIR characterizations along with DFT calculations performed in this study, it can be concluded that surface complexation, ion exchange, electrostatic attraction, physical absorption are among the main mechanisms responsible for absorption of Pb (II) by ZF@WBC. Furthermore, even in the presence of interfering ions at different concentrations, ZF@WBC exhibited a removal rate above 70% for Pb (II). Therefore, ZF@WBC has great potential as an effective absorbent for removing Pb (II) from wastewater, while also offering opportunities for biomass waste resource utilization.

Influence of pyrolysis temperature on biochar properties: Applications as a reinforcing filler in sbr and epdm elastomeric compounds

This study investigates the effect of pyrolysis temperature on the properties of biochar derived from Pinus spp. wood waste and its application as a reinforcing filler in styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) elastomeric compounds. Biochar was produced at 400°C and 900°C and its effects on the mechanical properties of the elastomers were analyzed. The results indicate that biochar produced at 900°C has higher fixed carbon content and lower volatile matter, resulting in improved mechanical properties such as tensile strength and elongation at break compared to biochar produced at 400°C. Despite a lower specific surface area, the irregular surface structure of biochar enhances its interaction with elastomers, providing a semi-reinforcement. This study highlights the potential of high-temperature biochar as a sustainable alternative to conventional fillers such as carbon black, contributing to the development of environmentally friendly materials from biomass waste. The results support further exploration of the role of biochar in elastomer applications, highlighting its environmental and mechanical benefits.

Exploring the integrated potential of pyrolysis and low-temperature wet torrefaction for typical medical waste valorization: A multifaceted approach leveraging online TG-FTIR-MS, 2D-COS, iso-conversional kinetics, and reaction mechanisms

The rapid growth of medical waste, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and advancements in healthcare, has drawn increased public scrutiny regarding its proper disposal and treatment. This research aimed to characterize the wet torrefaction of a typical medical waste biomass (MWB) composition, comprising bamboo swabs, skewers, splints, cotton balls, tongue depressors, toothpicks, and chopsticks, followed by its co-pyrolysis with medical waste plastic (MWP) including catheter bags, drapes, IV tubing, IV bags, oxygen masks, syringes, and test tubes. The study employed thermogravimetric analysis, TG-FTIR, 2D correlation spectroscopy, iso-conversional kinetics, and mass spectrometry techniques elucidated the driving factors, behaviors, products, mechanisms, and pathways involved. The pyrolysis temperature ranges were 180.15 to 400 °C for TMWB and 380.04 to 550 °C for MWP, with average activation energies of 150.22 and 221.59 kJ/mol for their respective devolatilization processes. Incorporating 20 % and 40 % MWP into the co-pyrolysis process yielded the best performance, characterized by the lowest activation energy. The co-pyrolysis process promoted the release of cyclic hydrocarbons and chain hydrocarbons, but decreased the yields of alcohols, esters, ethers, phenols, and acids, through synergistic mechanisms. Unraveling the pyrolysis pathways and dynamics of these representative medical waste streams offers valuable insights into improving energy recovery, mitigating pollution, diminishing waste volumes, and optimizing industrial thermochemical conversion processes for safely treating these hazardous materials.

Silica surface modification using cellulose as a renewable organosilane derived from coconut coir fiber for carbon capture

The properties of silica surface modification for carbon capture were studied, utilizing cellulose-amine as a modification agent derived from dissolved coconut coir fiber. To form bonds with NH2 functional groups through amination processes, cellulosic biomass waste is utilized, which is analogous to replacing alkoxy ligands. The dual-function mixture reagents dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) were employed in the same system as the amine sources and solvents. Waterglass is used as a source of silica, and the modified particles are formed using a one-step consecutive sol-gel spray drying process used in a direct condensation route. Changes in the concentration of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) were examined to determine how they affected the essential parameters of the particles. The template is removed during particle formation without further physical or chemical processing. The particle morphology changed from donut-shaped to spherical after SLS application, as evidenced by the increase in SLS concentration. This also shows that the increase in the particle surface area is directly influenced by the increase in the formation of new pore structures with increasing SLS concentration. Through this mechanism, it is possible to extend the pore size distribution to the meso-macropore regime and initiate the formation of new mesopores. This has a direct impact on the capacity to absorb CO2 gas by increasing the cellulose-amine mass fraction that can be grafted to as high as 32.35 %wt. At an operating pressure of 6 bar, a maximum CO2 gas adsorption capacity of 5.32 mmol/g silica was attained by adding SLS 3 CMC to the silica particles. This value is 2.3 times higher than that obtained when using an aminosilane-based modification agent.

Synergetic Hydrogen and Methane Productions from Anaerobic Digestion of Selected Rural-Farming Plant and Animal-Based Biomass Wastes

Synergetic Hydrogen and Methane Productions from Anaerobic Digestion of Selected Rural-Farming Plant and Animal-Based Biomass Wastes

Strategic conversion of plastic containers with food waste into energy through thermochemical processes

Plastic valorization has received particular attention as an environmentally benign approach to achieve carbon neutrality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, contaminated plastic and biomass waste mixtures suffer from single-stream recycling. Waste mixtures are currently discarded through landfilling and incineration. As a sustainable disposal and valorization method for converting plastic and biomass waste mixtures into energy-intensive products, especially syngas (H2 and CO), this study utilizes catalytic pyrolysis and a CO2 flow gas. A plastic container contaminated with a food waste mixture (PFW) was used as the model waste. The major products of the pyrolysis of PFW were liquid hydrocarbons (HC) (C7–30) and wax-like HCs with negligible formation of oxygen-containing HCs. However, the high production of wax-like HCs becomes a problem. Catalytic pyrolysis was employed to convert HCs into simpler product streams such as syngas. Although syngas formation tripled with the Ni catalyst, catalyst deactivation was observed. To suppress catalyst deactivation and promote CO formation, CO2 was introduced instead of N2. During the CO2-assisted catalytic pyrolysis, the syngas yield from PFW increased to 95.5 % because the chemical reactions between CO2 and liquid/wax-like HCs produced additional H2 and CO. The catalytic reaction with CO2 suppressed carbon deposition because long-chain HCs were converted to CO rather than coke.

Activated carbon derived from fish gill waste

The increasing abundance of biomass and bio-waste materials has highlighted the necessity for sustainable methods to reuse and repurpose these resources. Fish waste constitutes a significant portion of biomass waste, frequently overlooked and dumped in inland regions. This study centers on the transformation of fish waste, particularly Trevally fish feces, into activated carbon. The main objective of the present study is to devise an economical and competent method for producing activated carbon from fish waste. The activated carbon produced is thoroughly analyzed, which includes a detailed evaluation of its physical and chemical attributes. In the present work, an attempt also investigates the various uses of activated carbon synthesized from fish waste. The material has substantial potential in water treatment and purification, particularly in environmental applications. In addition, the research examines the material's appropriateness for treating wastewater, specifically targeting the elimination of contaminants. In the field of energy, activated carbon generated from fish waste is utilized in ultra-capacitors, functioning as a renewable and environmentally friendly method of storing energy. The electrochemical properties of these ultra-capacitors are extensively examined. The study investigates the applicability of this groundbreaking method for storing energy. Furthermore, it emphasizes the significance of effective resource allocation, resulting in a favorable influence on both environment and energy sector.

Bio-sourced multifunctional adsorbent of chitosan and adipic acid activated-dragon fruit peels for organic dye removal from water: Eco-friendly management and valorization of biomass

Employing sustainable biomaterials obtained from waste biomass and biopolymers provides a very promising method for eliminating organic dyes from wastewater. This study presents a novel adsorbent of modified dragon fruit peels and chitosan, addressing wastewater treatment and environmental waste management. Precisely, a bio-sourced multifunctional (high level of functional groups) adsorbent (hereinafter, CHS/DFP-ADP) was developed from chitosan and adipic acid activated-dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) peels. This biomaterial was applied to effectively adsorb organic pollutants (safranin O dye, SAF-O) from water. The adsorption variables, namely A: CHS/DFP-ADP dosage (0.02–0.08 g), B: pH (4–10), and C: duration (10–40 min), were modeled and optimized using the Box-Behnken Design (BBD). The results of the BBD model showed the optimum adsorption parameters for achieving the highest level of SAF-O removal (94.83 %) were as follows: CHS/DFP-ADP does = 0.049 g, the pH ∼ 10, and the contact duration = 40 min. The experimental results on the dye adsorption by CHS/DFP-ADP demonstrated conformity with the pseudo-first-order and Freundlich models. The biomaterial demonstrated a significant capability to adsorb SAF-O dye, with an adsorption capacity of 607.2 mg/g. The adsorption process of the cationic dye on the CHS/DFP-ADP involves several interactions, such as Yoshida H-bonding, electrostatic forces, n-π, and H-bonding. This work aligns with the principles of green chemistry and sustainable development, offering an innovative approach to tackle environmental concerns and promote the circular economy. The present effort meets several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

Co-pyrolysis of biomass/polyurethane foam waste: Thermodynamic study using Aspen Plus

Due to the varieties and identical feature of solid waste, this research aims to consider the use of various feedstocks in pyrolysis process for liquid fuel production. The feedstock considered covers woody and non-woody biomass and plastic waste which are represented by sawdust (SD), palm leaf (PL) and polyurethane foam (PU) waste. In this research, both pure solid waste and the co-pyrolysis of biomass and plastic wastes were determined based on thermodynamics study. The model of pyrolysis process developed through Aspen Plus simulator was implemented to study the product yield, higher heating value (HHV) and energy consumption with a wider range of pyrolysis temperature and blending weight ratio. The simulation results clearly showed the use of pure PU waste can provide the highest oil yield (∼44%wt.) which is corresponded to highest HHV (∼28 MJ/kg). The pyrolysis, operating at 400oC, can provide the most significant quantity of oil. For the co-pyrolysis, the results revealed that more PU waste blended in both biomasses can improve both oil yield and HHV while the energy consumption is lower. From the simulation results, the optimal blending weight ratio of biomass and PU waste at 25:75 can provide suitable oil yield (∼43%wt.), HHV (∼26 MJ/kg) and energy consumption (243kW).

Production and optimization of briquette (solid fuels) from waste biomass using industrial starch as binder

This study aims to develop an efficient means of transforming municipal solid waste and agricultural waste to produce and optimize briquettes from biomass as an alternative energy source capable of replacing fossil fuels. The project involved the production of briquettes from paper, sawdust, and charcoal, using industrial starch, and sodium hydroxide pellets as binders. The fuel briquettes were produced from paper and charcoal combination, paper, charcoal and sawdust combination, sawdust and charcoal combination, and wastepaper and sawdust combination at different amounts of binders of 100%, 120%, 140%, 160%, and 180% weight of water to the respective briquettes produced. The combustion-related properties were determined. The data obtained, and the optimization of the briquettes produced from paper, charcoal, and sawdust combinations were done using the design expert software program. From the experiment, it was seen that the briquettes made from the paper, charcoal, and sawdust combination had a better combustion capacity with heating values of 34,469.1 KJ/kg, an ash content of 7.656%, and a volatile matter content of 87% for 180% binder. Also, from the result obtained, it can be confirmed that the briquettes made from paper, charcoal, and sawdust had a higher dry density value of 985.6 g. The cost analysis and evidence from literature show that briquettes are not only a better and more reliable alternative fuel source to the high-rising conventional cooking fuel available but also reduce the problems associated with rapid deforestation environmental degradation, and pollution.

Polyzwitterionic hydrogel using waste biomass as solar absorbent for efficient evaporation in high salinity brine

Solar-driven interfacial vapor generation (SVG) is a promising strategy for brine purification. However, the effective combination of functional evaporator backbones and solar absorbers for SVG enhancement remains challenging in high-salinity brines (≥10 wt%). Herein, a biomass-based polyzwitterionic hydrogel (PZH) was developed to improve the SVG performances in 10 wt% brine. Zwitterions with specific anti-polyelectrolyte effects served as backbones for accelerating H2O transportation, with fewer salt deposits and macropore channels. The biomass of straw prepared at a pyrolysis temperature at 600 ℃ was the most effective solar absorber. The synthesis of So600-PZH-8mm yielded the optimal solar evaporator with a low evaporation enthalpy of 877.79 J·g−1, a remarkable solar-to-vapor energy efficiency of 87.1 %, and a high evaporation rate of 3.57 kg·m−2·h−1 under 1 sun irradiation and a relative humidity of 30 %. Multi-cycle evaporation tests further verified the high quality of the steam water, high salt resistance, reliability, and durability of So600-PZH-8mm in practical applications. Furthermore, density functional theory calculations of the binding energies of charged groups and ions verified the anti-polyelectrolyte effect and swelling behavior of the PZHs. Overall, this study demonstrated the effectiveness of waste biomass as solar absorber for high-efficiency solar adsorption and water activation, which opens a new perspective to inspire the up-conversion of waste biomass in more valuable and meaningful ways.

Utilization of cocoa pod husk waste biomass for post-combustion CO2 adsorption

Biomass-derived activated carbon for carbon dioxide (CO2) post-combustion has been drawing attention because they are cost-effective and environment-friendly. In this study, activated carbon was prepared from cocoa pod husk waste (COP) biomass for CO2 adsorption. The COP was pyrolyzed and activated using potassium hydroxide (KOH). The activated carbon prepared was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy- Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The performance of the activated carbons prepared for CO2 was evaluated using a CO2 gas analyzer. Optimization of the adsorption process of CO2 was carried out by varying some important variables affecting the adsorption process. Results showed activated carbon prepared has a good pore structure with high carbon content that supported CO2 adsorption. The Freundlich model provided the best fit with the experimental data while data fitted well to pseudo-second-order kinetics with an adsorption capacity of 6.5 mg/g. The optimal condition for CO2 adsorption, was an adsorption time of 1 min, a Carbonization temperature of 700 °C, and Bed height of 5 cm, and % CO2 removal of 99.5%. The study revealed (COP) biomass as a suitable activated carbon precursor for CO2 capture.

Pengaruh variasi besar butir dan variasi komposisi bahan terhadap kinerja briket arang tempurung kelapa dan sekam padi

Abundant biomass waste is often thrown away. Careless disposal of waste will have a negative impact on environmental quality. Research regarding variations in composition and grain size of biomass waste charcoal briquettes on briquette performance is feasible. The aim of the research is to obtain briquettes that have high performance. The research method used was experimental research, coconut shell charcoal and rice husk charcoal, made in sizes 20 mesh, 60 mesh and 100 mesh. Then mixed with 15% starch adhesive with variations in the composition of coconut shell charcoal (TK): rice husk charcoal (SP), namely: I (75%:25%), II (50%:50%) and III (25%:75% ), After printing, the biket is dried in the sun and in the oven until it reaches a moisture content of (14-15)%. After the briquettes are dry, the heating value, flame duration and water boiling time are tested. In the calorific value test, the greater the composition (TK), the greater the calorific value produced. The highest heating value of 5937 kcal/kg was obtained from composition I, mesh 60 and the lowest heating value of 3714 kcal/kg was obtained from composition III mesh 60. The shortest flame duration of 1386.6 seconds occurred in mesh 20 composition III and the longest flame duration was 1933.2 seconds. obtained on mesh 100 composition I. In the Boilling Time test, it was found that the larger the grain size and the greater the composition of the coconut shell charcoal mixture in bioarang briquettes, the faster the water boiling time.

Relationship of CO2 adsorption performance and physicochemical property of biochar prepared by different types of biomass waste

The physicochemical property of biochar prepared by biomass waste is crucial for CO2 adsorption performance. However, the quantified relationship between the physicochemical property and CO2 adsorption capacity for biochar is still unclear. In this study, biochar samples with different physicochemical properties were prepared from six representative biomass of sewage sludge, chicken manure, apple and prickly ash branch, corn and rice straw. The quantitative investigation was conducted and the relationship between the physicochemical properties and CO2 adsorption capacity of biochar was analysed using Pearson correlation analysis method. The results showed that the biochar prepared from prickly ash branch at 800 °C pyrolysis exhibited a better CO2 adsorption capacity of 154.44mg/g and larger specific surface area of 160.83 m2/g, compared with other biochars. According to the quantitative data about physicochemical properties of twenty-four kinds of biochar samples, the correlations between CO2 adsorption capacity and microcrystalline structure, surface functional groups, nitrogen content and specific surface area were obtained. The CO2 adsorption capacity showed a significant positive correlation with the specific surface area (SBET),stacking height of aromatic layers (Lc), number of aromatic layers (N) and nitrogen content, and the correlation order was SBET >N >Lc = nitrogen content. Moreover, the CO2 adsorption capacity showed a negative correlation with diameter of aromatic planes (La), C=O, O-H and index of aromaticity (Aal/Aar), and the order of correlation was C=O > O-H >La >Aal/Aar. The effect mechanism of physicochemical properties on CO2 adsorption of biochar was that microcrystalline structure had an influence on CO2 adsorption by van der Waals force, and nitrogen, oxygen-containing functional groups, and so on by Lewis acid-base interaction and hydrogen bonding.