Pyrolysis of Biomass Wastes into Carbon Materials

Małgorzata Sieradzka, Cezary Kirczuk, Izabela Kalemba-Rec, Agata Mlonka-Mędrala and Aneta Magdziarz
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Małgorzata Sieradzka: Faculty of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science, AGH University of Science and Technology, Al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Cracow, Poland
Cezary Kirczuk: Faculty of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science, AGH University of Science and Technology, Al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Cracow, Poland
Izabela Kalemba-Rec: Faculty of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science, AGH University of Science and Technology, Al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Cracow, Poland
Agata Mlonka-Mędrala: Faculty of Energy and Fuels, AGH University of Science and Technology, Al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Cracow, Poland
Aneta Magdziarz: Faculty of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science, AGH University of Science and Technology, Al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Cracow, Poland

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 5, 1-12

Abstract: This study presents the results of the biomass pyrolysis process focusing on biochar production and its potential energetic (as solid fuel) and material (as adsorbent) applications. Three kinds of biomass waste were investigated: wheat straw, spent coffee grounds, and brewery grains. The pyrolysis process was carried out under nitrogen atmosphere at 400 and 500 °C (residence time of 20 min). A significant increase in the carbon content was observed in the biochars, e.g., from 45% to 73% (at 400 °C) and 77% (at 500 °C) for spent coffee grounds. In addition, the structure and morphology were investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Thermal properties were studied using a simultaneous thermal analysis under an oxidising atmosphere. The chemical activation was completed using KOH. The sorption properties of the obtained biochars were tested using chromium ion (Cr 3+ ) adsorption from liquid solution. The specific surface area and average pore diameter of each sample were determined using the BET method. Finally, it was found that selected biochars can be applied as adsorbent or a fuel. In detail, brewery grains-activated carbon had the highest surface area, wheat straw-activated carbon adsorbed the highest amount of Cr 3+ , and wheat straw chars presented the best combustion properties.

Keywords: agriculture biomass waste; pyrolysis; biochar; active carbon (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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