Investigation of biochars derived from waste lignocellulosic biomass and insulation electric cables: A comprehensive TGA and Macro-TGA analysis
Roberta Panizio,
Carlos Castro,
Nuno Pacheco,
Ana Carolina Assis,
Andrei Longo,
Cândida Vilarinho,
José Carlos Teixeira,
Paulo Brito,
Margarida Gonçalves,
Catarina Nobre
Affiliations
Roberta Panizio
VALORIZA, Research Center for Endogenous Resource Valorization, Portalegre Polytechnic University, 7300- 555, Portalegre, Portugal; MEtRICs, Mechanical Engineering and Resource Sustainability Center, Chemistry Department, SST-NOVA University of Lisbon, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal
Carlos Castro
MEtRICs, Mechanical Engineering and Resource Sustainability Center, Mechanical Engineering Department, School of Engineering, University of Minho, 4804-533, Guimarães, Portugal
Nuno Pacheco
MEtRICs, Mechanical Engineering and Resource Sustainability Center, Mechanical Engineering Department, School of Engineering, University of Minho, 4804-533, Guimarães, Portugal
Ana Carolina Assis
VALORIZA, Research Center for Endogenous Resource Valorization, Portalegre Polytechnic University, 7300- 555, Portalegre, Portugal
Andrei Longo
VALORIZA, Research Center for Endogenous Resource Valorization, Portalegre Polytechnic University, 7300- 555, Portalegre, Portugal
Cândida Vilarinho
MEtRICs, Mechanical Engineering and Resource Sustainability Center, Mechanical Engineering Department, School of Engineering, University of Minho, 4804-533, Guimarães, Portugal
José Carlos Teixeira
MEtRICs, Mechanical Engineering and Resource Sustainability Center, Mechanical Engineering Department, School of Engineering, University of Minho, 4804-533, Guimarães, Portugal
Paulo Brito
VALORIZA, Research Center for Endogenous Resource Valorization, Portalegre Polytechnic University, 7300- 555, Portalegre, Portugal
Margarida Gonçalves
VALORIZA, Research Center for Endogenous Resource Valorization, Portalegre Polytechnic University, 7300- 555, Portalegre, Portugal; MEtRICs, Mechanical Engineering and Resource Sustainability Center, Chemistry Department, SST-NOVA University of Lisbon, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal
Catarina Nobre
VALORIZA, Research Center for Endogenous Resource Valorization, Portalegre Polytechnic University, 7300- 555, Portalegre, Portugal; Corresponding author.
This study investigates the thermochemical decomposition and gasification performance of biochars produced from blends of waste lignocellulosic biomass and waste insulation electrical cables at varying temperatures. Characterization tests revealed changes, particularly in ash content (27.5 %–34 %) and elemental composition, with nitrogen content increasing notably in biochar samples compared to the original feedstock. Van Krevelen diagrams demonstrated a reduction in O/C and H/C ratios with increasing production temperature, resembling fossil fuels more closely. The thermogravimetric and the derived thermogravimetric profiles illustrated distinct degradation stages influenced by heating rates and production temperature. Macro-TGA tests provided insights into biomass residue behavior under gasification conditions, indicating higher reaction rates at elevated temperatures. Syngas analysis highlighted the impact of temperature and equivalence ratio on syngas composition, with higher temperatures favoring hydrogen-rich gas production. The observed trends in cold gas efficiency (42.61 %–50.40 %) and carbon conversion efficiency (45.83 %–50.40 %) underscore the significance of temperature control in maximizing gasification performance. Biochars produced at higher temperatures demonstrated superior gasification performance, suggesting potential for optimizing biochar production processes to enhance energy recovery and waste valorization.
