Evaluation of physico-chemical characteristics of biochar produced from red bell pepper waste biomass
Nsaka Ntumba Christophe, Ngole Jeme Veronica
Abstract
Abstract Different types of biomasses are utilised for biochar production, but agricultural solid wastes remain a viable feedstock because of its availability and lower cost. This study investigated the possibility of producing biochar from red bell pepper wastes (RBPW) using slow carbonisation (300 and 400 °C) without chemical modification and characterising the produced biochar in an endeavour to elucidate on its potential use for environmental remediation. Proximate analysis, physical and chemical properties of the biomass and biochars were investigated using standard methods and analytical instruments. The yields of biochars from RBPW were found to be 25.8 and 23.5%, respectively, for biochar produced at carbonisation temperatures of 300 and 400 °C. Elemental analysis showed the presence of elements with concentration patterns that followed the order Fe > Na > Ca > K > Mg > Mn > Zn in the biomass and biochars though the biochars had higher concentrations than the biomass. The specific surface areas and pore volumes of both biomass and biochars were found to be low (< 0.706 and 0.0280 cm 2 /g, respectively) as per the BET results. FTIR results showed the presence of oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface of both biomass and biochars. The surface of biomass had more acidic sites as opposed to biochars which had more basic sites. RBPW has shown typically acceptable chemical, physical and thermal properties for the production of biochar. Further studies are required to understand whether chemical activation would improve their surface properties and the conditions under which they can be used. Graphical Abstract