A comprehensive characterization of non-edible lignocellulosic biomass to elucidate their biofuel production potential

It is very requisite to demonstrate the characterization of lignocellulosic biomass for converting into renewable fuels and valuable chemicals. In this work, the physicochemical and thermochemical characterization of some non-edible oil seeds such as Putranjiva (Putranjiva roxburghii), Amaltas (Cassia fistula), and Siris (Albizia lebbeck) were carried out by extractive analysis via Soxhlet solvent extraction, compositional analysis, proximate analysis, elemental (CHNSO) analysis, heating value, bulk density, crystallinity index via XRD, functional groups via FTIR, mineral content via EDX, slagging and fouling indices via XRF, and degradation profile via TGA. It was noticed that all seeds consist of a maximum percentage of extractives such as Putranjiva 50.55%, Amaltas 18.22%, and Siris 22.8%. The results showed that these seeds have a higher cellulose content compared with hemicellulose and lignin. Further, it was confirmed from the Van Krevelen diagram, CHO index, as well as devolatilization index. Also, from the kinetic analysis, the activation energy (E-a) obtained of these seeds was in the order of PR > AL > CF. The chemical features and thermal degradation behaviour reaffirmed that these non-edible oilseeds have good energy potential for reproducibility of biofuel and green chemicals production.

Automated summary

The physicochemical and thermochemical characterization of non-edible oil seeds such as Putranjiva, Amaltas, and Siris revealed their potential for renewable fuel and green chemicals production.