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Retort carbonization of bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) waste for thermal energy recovery

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Abstract

Production of biochar from bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) is a potential route to recover thermal energy from biomass. This study presents a preliminary investigation into the thermochemical conversion of bamboo stalks to biochar as a means of recovering energy and material from the waste biomass. At a high temperature of 340 °C, a biochar yield of 38 wt% was obtained using a top-lit updraft reactor that uses a retort heating system. Typical characterization of the biochar showed the development of a highly porous structure with a surface area of 327 m2/g, indicating the biochars’ potential for nutrient recovery and pollutant removal. Thermo-gravimetric analysis reveals a gradual decomposition of the lignocellulosic content as the temperature increases. The significance of the study is in the production of high-quality biochar with desirable qualities using a low-cost self-regulating piece of equipment that is suitable for both remote and on-field application. We recommend the co-carbonization of the bamboo stalks with other sources for complete utilization of their potential.

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Abbreviations

SEM:

Scanning electron microscopy

EDX:

Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy

TGA:

Thermo-gravimetric analysis

DTA:

Differential thermal analysis

BET:

Brunauer–Emmett–Teller

BJH:

Barrett, Joyner, and Halenda

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria

    Adewale George Adeniyi, Comfort A. Adeyanju, Samuel Ogunniyi & David K. Te-Erebe

  2. Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P. M. B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria

    Kingsley O. Iwuozor & Ebuka Chizitere Emenike

  3. Department of Civil Engineering, Kwara State University, Malete, Nigeria

    Samson O. Odeyemi

Authors
  1. Adewale George Adeniyi
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  2. Comfort A. Adeyanju
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  3. Kingsley O. Iwuozor
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  4. Samson O. Odeyemi
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  5. Ebuka Chizitere Emenike
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  6. Samuel Ogunniyi
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  7. David K. Te-Erebe
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Correspondence to Adewale George Adeniyi.

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Adeniyi, A.G., Adeyanju, C.A., Iwuozor, K.O. et al. Retort carbonization of bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) waste for thermal energy recovery. Clean Techn Environ Policy 25, 937–947 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-022-02415-w

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