Yield and Energy Modeling for Biochar and Bio-Oil Using Pyrolysis Temperature and Biomass Constituents

Area of Science:

• Chemical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Sustainable Chemistry

Background:

• Pyrolysis is a key thermochemical process for converting organic matter into valuable products.
• Understanding feedstock properties and process parameters is crucial for optimizing pyrolysis outcomes.
• Effective waste management and resource utilization are critical global challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop predictive models for pyrolysis product yield and energy content.
• To investigate the influence of feedstock characteristics and pyrolysis temperature on product quality.
• To provide a decision-making tool for designing pyrolysis processes for specific applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized experimental data from pyrolysis of diverse feedstocks at temperatures ranging from 350-650 °C.
• Developed prediction models for biochar and bio-oil yield and higher heating value (HHV).
• Validated models using coefficient of determination (R²) exceeding 90%.

Main Results:

• Food waste demonstrated suitability as a feedstock for biochar production between 450-550 °C.
• Bio-oil derived from food waste exhibited high energy content (HHV = 34.6 MJ/kg), nearing 80% of diesel's value.
• The developed models accurately predicted biofuel yield and quality.

Conclusions:

• Pyrolysis offers a sustainable route for waste valorization.
• Food waste is a promising feedstock for producing high-quality biofuels via pyrolysis.
• The predictive models serve as valuable tools for process optimization and application design.