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Optimized Production of High-Performance Activated Biochar from Sugarcane Bagasse via Systematic Pyrolysis and Chemical Activation

Author

Listed:
  • Mohammad Nazbakhsh

    (Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar 47416-13534, Iran)

  • Seyed Reza Nabavi

    (Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar 47416-13534, Iran)

  • Sajedeh Jafarian

    (Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar 47416-13534, Iran)

Abstract

The following work deals with the preparation of highly porous activated biochar from sugarcane bagasse (SB) via potassium hydroxide activation and optimization by a D-optimal design. Activation temperatures within the range of 600 to 800 °C, holding times between 60 and 180 min, and KOH impregnation ratios (W KOH /W RBC ) ranging between 0.5, 1, and 2 were explored with a view to enhance properties like Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area and total pore volume of biochar while considering mean diameter as well. Optimized conditions in this study were an activation temperature of 800 °C, holding time of 120 min, and KOH impregnation ratio of 1:1. The activated biochar prepared under such conditions had a very high BET surface area, 1149 m 2 /g, and a total pore volume of 0.53 cm 3 /g. This was further characterized by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, indicating improved microporosity with a view to application in adsorption studies. This is a sustainable work to obtain economical high-performance biochar from agricultural waste for application in adsorption and catalytic processes.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohammad Nazbakhsh & Seyed Reza Nabavi & Sajedeh Jafarian, 2025. "Optimized Production of High-Performance Activated Biochar from Sugarcane Bagasse via Systematic Pyrolysis and Chemical Activation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-23, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:4:p:1554-:d:1590575
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Arika Bridhikitti & Jutamas Kaewsuk & Netiya Karaket & Richard Friend & Brett Sallach & James P. J. Chong & Kelly R. Redeker, 2023. "Balancing Agriculture and Industry through Waste Utilization for Sugarcane Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-26, October.
    2. Diedhiou, Ansoumane & Ndiaye, Lat-Grand & Bensakhria, Ammar & Sock, Oumar, 2019. "Thermochemical conversion of cashew nut shells, palm nut shells and peanut shells char with CO2 and/or steam to aliment a clay brick firing unit," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 142(C), pages 581-590.
    3. Shi-Xiang Zhao & Na Ta & Xu-Dong Wang, 2017. "Effect of Temperature on the Structural and Physicochemical Properties of Biochar with Apple Tree Branches as Feedstock Material," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-15, August.
    4. Chaudhuri, Pratik & Pande, Rohan & Baraiya, Nikhil A., 2024. "Pyrolysis kinetics and thermodynamic analysis of bamboo, bagasse, and rice husk bio-chars: Implications for sustainable energy," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 237(PA).
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