Optimization of process parameters of self-purging microwave pyrolysis of corn cob for biochar production

John Christian C. Quillope, Rowena B. Carpio, Kristel M. Gatdula, Monet Concepcion M. Detras, Stephen S. Doliente

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

Microwave pyrolysis offers rapid and low-cost technology to upgrade agro-forestry residues to high-value products. I-optimal experimental design was used to determine the optimal combination of microwave power and exposure time to maximize biochar yield from corn cob. A validation experiment at optimal conditions of 600 W and 6.9 min produced an average yield of 56.98% on a dry and ash-free basis, agrees with the predicted value (3.43% error) and confirms the adequacy of the model yield equation. Characterization of biochar product revealed an organized mesoporous structure with a carbon content of 62.68%, surface area of 3.05 m2/g, pore volume of 0.003 cm3/g, capacitance range of 27.14–53.99 μF/g, energy density range of 6.0 × 10−7 - 1.2 × 10−6 Wh/kg, and power density range of 9.4 × 10−4 – 2.49 × 10−3 W/kg. The biochar produced would require further process to be considered for various industrial applications.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere08417
JournalHeliyon
Volume7
Issue number11
Early online date17 Nov 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Nov 2021

Keywords

  • Biochar
  • Corn cob
  • I-optimal design
  • Microwave pyrolysis
  • Optimization
  • Self-purging

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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