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Biochar Hydrochar Project

This document discusses the preparation and characterization of biochars and hydrochars from agricultural biomass such as rice husk, corn stalks, and sugarcane bagasse. It highlights the differences in their properties, with biochar being stable and suitable for long-term soil enhancement, while hydrochar is more reactive and beneficial for short-term applications. The study emphasizes the importance of converting agricultural waste into these materials for sustainable environmental management and climate change mitigation.

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13 views3 pages

Biochar Hydrochar Project

This document discusses the preparation and characterization of biochars and hydrochars from agricultural biomass such as rice husk, corn stalks, and sugarcane bagasse. It highlights the differences in their properties, with biochar being stable and suitable for long-term soil enhancement, while hydrochar is more reactive and beneficial for short-term applications. The study emphasizes the importance of converting agricultural waste into these materials for sustainable environmental management and climate change mitigation.

Uploaded by

usmanahmadtijani3
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Preparation of Biochars and Hydrochars

from Agricultural Biomass


Abstract
Sustainable utilization of agricultural residues has gained prominence as a solution to
environmental pollution and climate change. Biochars and hydrochars are carbon-rich
materials derived from biomass through pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization (HTC),
respectively. This project explores the preparation, characterization, and comparative
analysis of biochar and hydrochar derived from rice husk, corn stalks, and sugarcane
bagasse. Their physicochemical properties, morphology, and application potential in
agriculture and environmental management are analyzed. The study emphasizes the role of
process parameters in tailoring char properties for specific uses, such as soil enhancement,
carbon sequestration, and pollutant adsorption.

1. Introduction
Agricultural biomass such as rice husks, sugarcane bagasse, and corn stalks are abundant
residues often disposed of by burning, contributing to air pollution and greenhouse gas
emissions. Converting these wastes into biochar and hydrochar can address waste
management challenges while producing valuable materials for environmental and
agricultural use (Lehmann & Joseph, 2015).

Biochar is produced via thermal decomposition of biomass under limited oxygen


(pyrolysis), resulting in a porous, carbon-rich material with high stability. Hydrochar, on the
other hand, is produced through hydrothermal carbonization—a wet thermochemical
process under subcritical water conditions, yielding materials rich in oxygen-containing
functional groups (Libra et al., 2011).

2. Objectives
- To prepare biochar and hydrochar from agricultural biomass.
- To characterize the physical and chemical properties of the resulting chars.
- To compare their application potential in carbon sequestration, soil improvement, and
water treatment.

3. Materials and Methods


3.1 Biomass Collection and Preparation:
Biomass Sources: Rice husk, corn stalks, and sugarcane bagasse. Air-dried, milled, and
sieved (<2 mm).
3.2 Biochar Preparation (Slow Pyrolysis):
Conditions: 400–600°C, 2 hours, under nitrogen flow. Apparatus: Muffle furnace with gas
inlet.
Yield = (Weight of biochar / Weight of dry biomass) × 100

3.3 Hydrochar Preparation (Hydrothermal Carbonization):


Conditions: 180–250°C, 6–12 hours, biomass:water = 1:10 (w/v). Reactor: Teflon-lined
stainless steel autoclave.
Post-treatment: Washed, filtered, and dried at 60°C.

4. Characterization Techniques
- Proximate and Elemental Analysis: ASTM standards; CHNS Analyzer.
- SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy): Surface texture and porosity.
- FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy): Surface functional groups.
- BET Analysis: Specific surface area and pore volume.
- pH and Electrical Conductivity: 1:10 char:water suspensions.

5. Results and Discussion


5.1 Yield Comparison:
Biochar yield: ~25–35%. Hydrochar yield: ~45–60% (Libra et al., 2011).

5.2 Elemental Composition:


Biochar: Higher carbon, lower H/C and O/C ratios. Hydrochar: More oxygen-rich, reactive.

5.3 Surface Properties:


Biochar: Porous, high surface area (150–300 m²/g). Hydrochar: Less porous (<50 m²/g).

5.4 FTIR Analysis:


Biochar: Aromatic C=C. Hydrochar: –OH, –COOH groups.

5.5 pH and EC:


Biochar: Alkaline (pH 8–10). Hydrochar: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7).

6. Applications and Implications


Biochar: Stable, adsorbent, long-term soil enhancer, carbon sequestration.
Hydrochar: Reactive, nutrient-rich, short-term soil enhancer, suitable for pollutant
adsorption.
7. Conclusion
Biochars and hydrochars present distinct properties governed by their preparation
methods. While biochar excels in carbon stability and structural integrity, hydrochar offers
reactive surfaces suitable for short-term environmental applications. Converting
agricultural waste into these products exemplifies sustainable waste management, climate
mitigation, and resource recovery.

8. References
- Ahmad, M. et al. (2014). Bioresource Technology, 118, 536–544.
- Inyang, M. et al. (2016). Bioresource Technology, 101(22), 8868–8872.
- Lehmann, J., & Joseph, S. (2015). Biochar for Environmental Management. Routledge.
- Libra, J. A. et al. (2011). Biofuels, 2(1), 71–106.
- Reza, M. T. et al. (2014). Bioresource Technology, 182, 336–344.

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