Banana pseudo-stem biochar derived from slow and fast pyrolysis process

This study evaluated the properties of banana pseudo-stem (BPS) biochar derived from two different types of pyrolysis. The fast pyrolysis experiment was performed using a worktable-scale fluidized-bed reactor, while a bench-scale fixed-bed reactor was used in the slow pyrolysis experiment. The preliminary analysis shows that the feedstock contains 80.6 db wt% of volatile matter, 12.5 db wt% of ash and 33.6% of carbon content. Biochar yield reduces as the pyrolysis temperature elevates for both pyrolysis experiments. Fast pyrolysis yields a higher percentage of biochar (40.3%) than biochar yield obtained from the slow pyrolysis experiment (34.9 wt%) at a similar temperature of 500 degrees C. The evaluation of biochar derived at 500 degrees C shows that the biochar obtained from the slow pyrolysis process has higher carbon content, heating value, and surface area with lower ash content. Meanwhile, FESEM images show significant differences in surface morphology and the number of pores for biochar derived from fast and slow pyrolysis. These findings indicate the potential and suitability of BPS biochar derived from the slow pyrolysis process in applications such as soil amelioration and solid biofuel.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the properties of banana pseudo-stem (BPS) biochar derived from fast and slow pyrolysis processes. The results showed that biochar yield decreased as the pyrolysis temperature increased. Fast pyrolysis resulted in a higher percentage of biochar compared to slow pyrolysis at a similar temperature of 500 degrees C. The biochar derived from slow pyrolysis had higher carbon content, heating value, and surface area, as well as lower ash content, indicating its potential suitability for soil amelioration and solid biofuel applications.