Experimental studies, characterization, and optimization of organic nonconsumable biomass wastes for utilization in energy storage applications

ABSTRACT

In this work, two organic nonconsumable biomass municipal wastes, coconut peduncle (CP) and areca nut husk (ANH), were selected as per novelty, and the results were experimentally investigated and optimized for better suitability as per energy storage applications. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of both the biomasses shows the presence of oxygen functional groups and aromatic compounds, such as lignin which are the important parameters for energy storage. CP contains more lignin content than ANH by 2.21% as investigated by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) protocol. Proximate analysis of the two biomasses revealed that CP has more volatile matter and a lower ash content than does ANH, indicating better pore development for energy storage. Thermogravimetric/differential thermogravimetric (TG-DTG) curve reveals that both the biomasses are thermally stable nearly at 500°C above which slow pyrolysis can be performed. Two-step KOH activation improved the yield of the biochar at 1:4 (w/v) biochar to KOH ratio through direct impregnation. The adsorption−desorption isotherm shows that activated coconut peduncle biochar at 1:4 (ACPB4) has a better surface area of 494.076 m²/g and microporosity than activated areca nut husk biochar at 1:4 (AANHB4) making CP a suitable porous material for energy storage.

KEYWORDS:

• biomass waste
• slow pyrolysis
• activated biochar
• BET
• energy storage

Acknowledgments

We want to acknowledge the Assam Science and Technology University, the Department of Chemical Engineering Assam Engineering College, the CAIF of Guwahati Biotech Park, and the SAIC of IASST DST Guwahati for letting us carry out our analytical work conveniently by providing the facilities present in their respective laboratories.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Notes on contributors

Dhritiman Das

Dhritiman Das, is working as a research scholar under AICTE Doctroal Fellowship in the Department of Energy Engineering, Assam Science and Technology University, Guwahati, Assam,India. His research interests are on Composites,Energy materials, Phase Change materials, Biomass.

Ashim Kumar Basumatary

Dr. Ashim Kumar Basumatary, is working as an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering, Assam Engineering College, Jalukbari, Guwahati, Asssam, India. Ph.D degree from the Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Guwahati. His research interest are Ceramic Membrane based separation, Petroleum Processing, Environmental Pollution, Renewable Energy. He has published more than 16 journal publications in both national and international reputed journals.