Steam-Assisted Semi-Carbonization Pretreatment of Corn Stalks: Effects on Physicochemical Properties for Enhanced Biomass Utilization

Shiyan Gu, Qi Li, Wei Kou, Zhaonan Sun (), Xiaoxia Li, Yitong Wang, Haiqiao Zhao and Peng Gao
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Shiyan Gu: School of Engineering, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
Qi Li: School of Engineering, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
Wei Kou: Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Energy Storage and Utilization, Yingkou Institute of Technology, Yingkou 115014, China
Zhaonan Sun: Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Energy Storage and Utilization, Yingkou Institute of Technology, Yingkou 115014, China
Xiaoxia Li: School of Engineering, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
Yitong Wang: School of Engineering, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
Haiqiao Zhao: School of Engineering, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
Peng Gao: School of Engineering, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 20, 1-23

Abstract: The inefficient disposal of corn stover (CS) and the accumulation of magnesite tailings (MMTs) pose dual environmental threats. Although biomass gasification can utilize CS, its inherent drawbacks result in syngas with low heating value and high tar content. Torrefaction pretreatment can effectively improve biomass properties, and the use of steam as a reaction medium can further optimize the product’s pore structure. This study proposes a steam-assisted torrefaction pretreatment to address the inefficient utilization of CS and the disposal challenges of MMTs. The experimental results demonstrated that torrefaction at 300 °C with 30% water content for 60 min significantly improved the raw material’s properties. The optimized CSBC exhibited a well-developed pore structure and achieved a phenol removal rate of 63.4%. The addition of MMTs further enhanced the pretreatment effect, increasing the removal rate to 75.5% and confirming the superiority of the CSBC–magnesite composite system. The steam atmosphere improved phenol adsorption by regulating pore structures and surface functional groups, offering a feasible approach for utilizing solid waste resources and developing a new in situ tar control strategy.

Keywords: corn stalk; torrefaction pretreatment; magnesite; steam atmosphere agent; phenol adsorption (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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