Production and characterization of biochar obtained from different biomass and pyrolysis temperature

Abstract

Biochar production has increased in recent years due to its wide applicability as alternative fuels, environmental remediation, wastewater treatment and input for agricultural applications. Biochar has characteristics that are mainly driven by the parameters implemented in the production process, such as pyrolysis temperature and the origin of biomass. This work aimed to study the main changes that occur in the chemical and structural properties of biochars when these two parameters are changed in its production process (biomass and temperature). The results show that increase in the pyrolysis temperature affects the yield of biochar, the amount of volatile compounds, ash and fixed carbon. The structure of the biochar is substantially modified from an aliphatic characteristic to a more aromatic and more hydrophobic structure. Waste eucalyptus and sewage sludge generate biochars with different characteristics and chemical properties, which are mainly affected by the increase in temperature, although less significantly for sewage sludge.