Biochar Production and Characterization from Pebble-Sized Feedstock Coconut Shells as an Alternative Solid Fuel

Abstract

This study aimed on the production and characterization of biochar derived from pebble-sized coconut shells, exploring its potential as an alternative fuel source. The pebble-sized material study is crucial for large-scale applications and real-world conditions. While smaller material sizes may offer efficiency in certain aspects, testing with pebble-sized offers a comprehensive understanding of how the pyrolysis process and biochar quality will perform in practical situations. Coconut shells, a widely available agricultural waste, were processed into pebble-sized feedstock and subjected to pyrolysis under controlled conditions. Practical and inexpensive thermal processes were performed at five various temperatures, starting at 250°C to 450°C to achieve the quality of expected produced biochar. A consistent temperature increase of 10°C per minute and a holding period of 120 minutes was applied at each run. The resulting biochar was characterized using GC-MS techniques analysis to assess its physical and chemical properties. The findings demonstrate that biochar produced from pebble-sized coconut shells exhibits promising characteristics, including high carbon content, low moisture, and a stable structure, making it a viable candidate for use as a sustainable and eco-friendly solid fuel. The biochar produced has an average moisture content of 3.98%, ash content of 2.89%, volatile content of 18.56%, fixed carbon content of 78.53%, and a heating value of approximately 28.56 MJ/kg. It is concluded that biochar from pebble-sized coconut shell material can be an essential ingredient in briquettes, serving as an alternative solid fuel. This research contributes to the growing interest in converting agricultural residues into valuable energy resources, offering a potential solution for reducing dependence on conventional fossil fuels and ultimately contributing to mitigating pollution due to biomass waste.

Keywords

• biomass
• pyrolysis
• biochar
• heating value
• fixed carbon
• coconut shell
• pebble size