Biochar characteristics produced via hydrothermal carbonization and torrefaction of peat and sawdust

Biochars made by hydrothermal carbonization and torrefaction of sawdust and peat in a wide temperature range have been studied. A comparative evaluation of the properties of the resulting materials was carried out by the following methods: elemental analysis, FTIR, Raman Spectroscopy, TG/TGA, SEM, Fluorescence analysis, BET. It has been established that hydrothermal carbonization has a greater effect on the degree of carbonification of the initial biomass than torrefaction. Biochars made from peat by this method have a more stable structure and contain asphaltene-like fragments and a developed system of poly-couplings. The combination of these properties makes it possible to use these materials not only as solid commercial carbon dioxide neutral fuel, but also as a promising analogue of fossil coals for the refining process.

Automated summary

Biochars made by hydrothermal carbonization and torrefaction have stable structures and rich chemical properties, which make them suitable for both fuel and as substitutes for fossil coals.