Evaluating the nature of captured exhaust soot from a retort heating carbonization system

Abstract

A deeper understanding of all aspects of biomass thermochemical conversion is necessary as researchers pursue multiple avenues for energy and environmental sustainability. In this paper, the agglomerative accumulation of soot observed, captured on the inner surface of the exhaust pipe, during the operation of a top-lit updraft biomass carbonisation system was evaluated to understand its nature and qualities. The soot was evaluated using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersion Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analyses. The combustion fuels were bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) stalk and stem of African balsam (Daniellia olivieri). FTIR analysis revealed the presence of hydroxyl, aromatic double bond, aldehyde, thyiol, and carbonyl functional groups. Energy Dispersion Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis revealed that the elemental carbon content of the soot was found to be 75.05% carbon with 15.13% oxygen. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that the soot had a hollow morphology and a lustrous appearance with white tiny grit grains of carbon nano-spheres. The BET analysis revealed that the specific surface area of the soot was 500 m2/g, while the pore volume and pore diameter were measured to be 0.218 cc/g and 2.113 nm, respectively. The material can find use in water purification purposes and also, as an additive to lubricating oils.