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This study focused on preparation and characterization of two activated SiO 2 @C nanocomposites from rice-husk waste material through a controlled method. Both of them contain different percentages of silica and carbon. After chemical and thermal activations of the prepared composites, high energy ball milling was utilized to prepare nano powders. The percent of silica in the prepared nanocomposites was determined by HF method. Moreover, their chemical compositions were determined by XRF technique. The prepared materials were also examined by x-ray diffraction technique, FT-Infrared, scanning electron microscope, high resolution transmission electron microscope, Zeta Sizer, and Surface-Area-Analyzer. The prepared SiO 2 @C nanocomposite that contains higher silica percent was selected as adsorbent for removing of Cu, Zn and Pb from aqueous solutions. The effects of pH and contact time on the adsorption process were also studied. The results showed that SiO 2 @C nanocomposites with different percentages of silica and carbon were prepared successfully by the proposed method. The sample that contains higher silica, exhibited smaller particle size (20–50 nm), higher specific surface area (262.39 m2g-1) and higher negative zeta potential (−71 mV). On the other hand, the sample that contains lower silica exhibited higher particle size (20–70 nm), lower specific surface area (42.95 m2g-1), and lower zeta potential (-6 mV). The adsorption efficiencies of prepared SiO 2 @C nanocomposites at pH 6 for removing of Cu, Zn, and Pb from aqueous solutions were 96.5, 97, 9 and 88.66%, respectively. The kinetic study revealed that the adsorption process proceeded by pseudo-second order reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focused on synthesizing the biochar from sawdust using torrefaction followed by pyrolysis. Sawdust was torrefied at different temperatures (125 °C, 150 °C, and 175 °C) using a conventional hot air oven. The obtained torrefied biochar was subjected to Microwave-assisted pyrolysis at a power of 300 W for 10 min. Graphite was used as a susceptor, and KOH was used as a catalyst. The maximum biochar product yield varied from 24 to 48 wt% and increased with torrefaction temperature. The average heating rates ranged from 54.5 to 74.6 °C/min. At 10 g of KOH, higher heating rates were obtained. The pyrolysis index analyzed varied between 97.5 and 111.5 and decreased with the increase in torrefaction temperature. The obtained biochar was analyzed using SEM, BET, XRD, FTIR, ICP-OES, and Raman spectroscopy. Porous structure formation enhanced, and the concentrations of Ca, Al, and Fe decreased with the increase in torrefaction temperature. [Display omitted] • Torrefaction pretreatment played an important role on biochar yield and composition. • Biochar was produced using microwave-assisted pyrolysis of pretreated sawdust. • Increase in the torrefaction pretreatment temperature enhanced the biochar yield. • Biochar was characterized by ICP-OES, XRD, BET, SEM, FTIR, and Raman spectra. • The pyrolysis index was for the microwave-assisted pyrolysis was calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar is a carbon-rich material which can be prepared from various organic waste feedstock, such as agricultural wastes and municipal sewage sludge. Biochar has received increasing attention due to its unique feature such as high carbon content and cation exchange capacity, large specific surface area and stable structure. This review systematically analyzed and summarized the preparation, characterization, modification, and especially environmental application of biochar, based on more than 200 papers published in recent 10 year, to provide an overview of biochar with a particular on its environmental application. The physiochemical properties of biochar varies with the types of feedstocks. Pyrolysis, gasification and hydrothermal carbonization are the common methods for biochar preparation. Biochar can be modified by acid, alkali, oxidizing agents, metal ions, carbonaceous materials, steam and gas purging. The selection of modification methods depends on the environmental application fields. The biochar has been used for soil remediation and amelioration, carbon sequestration, organic solid waste composting, decontamination of water and wastewater, catalyst and activator, electrode materials and electrode modifier, which were discussed in detail. The application of biochar in the carbon sequestration should be further investigated at similar experimental conditions to obtain the consistent results. The effect of biochar on soil microbes should be further investigated to elucidate the dominant reason for the improvement of soil fertility based on different soil and feedstock. In addition, more attention should be paid to the release of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from biochar to the environment when biochar is practically used for the environmental remediation. The relationship between biochar structure and activation capability should be further investigated to clarify the activation mechanism of persulfate by biochar when it is used as activator. In summary, biochar has wide application prospect in environmental remediation, and the mechanism of biochar in environmental application should be further investigated. Image 10436 • The environmental application of biochar was systematically reviewed and analyzed. • The modification methods of biochar was summarized and compared. • Modification can be used to improve its performance for different applications. • Biochar as persulfate activator and the corresponding mechanism was discussed. • More attention should be paid to biochar stability and potential negative influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract It is necessary to develop biodegradable composite films for reducing environmental pollution. Black and biodegradable biochar/gutta percha composite films were developed by adding different contents of biochar (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8%, w/w) into the gutta percha matrix. The results showed that the biochar effectively improved the hydrophobicity and mechanical properties compared with the control film. Moreover, the biochar/gutta percha composite films showed high stretchability and barrier properties. In particular, the 2% BC film had the highest tensile strength (18.3 MPa) and elongation at break (280.4%) and the lowest water vapor permeability value (0.09 × 10−9 g/m/h/Pa) at 34% relative humidity. However, the melting enthalpy (ΔH m) and crystallinity decreased. In addition, these composite films exhibited little electromagnetic interference shielding with a reflection loss up to −1.79 dB at 8.2 GHz. Finally, the composite films were more biodegradable than PE film after 60 days in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Microwave pyrolysis of wood pellets was investigated in a pilot scale fixed bed microwave reactor at various biomass loadings and microwave power levels. A fixed proportion of biochar (10% of biomass loading) was used as a microwave absorber in each test conditions. Effect of biomass loading and the power level on the product yields and on the characteristics of biochar and bio-oil products were examined. While the bio-oil yield decreased when the biomass loading was increased from 1500 g to 3500 g, the biochar and gaseous product yields increased with the biomass loading. However, the microwave power level shows an opposite trend. Biochar exhibited good higher heating value (31 MJ/kg) and possessed a fine pore size (<1 nm), which can be used as a fuel or a source of porous carbon. Higher heating value of bio-oil was found in the range 12–14 MJ/kg. Kinematic viscosities of bio-oils were estimated in the range 1.8–6.1 mm2/s at 40 °C that is similar to the viscosity requirement for the gas turbine applications. Moisture content in bio-oils was found in the range of 57.3–69.3%, which is higher than the upper limit of water content (30% wt.). Only a few chemicals, including furfural, phenol, 3-Methyl-1,2-Cyclipentanedione, 3-Methylphenol, and 4-Methylguaiacol were found in the bio-oils because of the high moisture content. Results of product characterization of biochar and bio-oils confirm that both microwave power level and biomass loading does not have any significant impacts. Further research can be carried out to find out the measures to reduce the moisture content in the bio-oil. Highlights • Wood pellets pyrolysis was conducted in a bench scale fixed bed microwave reactor. • Biomass loading, and microwave power level have less impact on the characteristics of biochar and bio-oils. • HHV of biochar and bio-oil was found 31 MJ/kg and 13 MJ/kg, respectively. • Moisture content in bio-oils was found in the range of 57.3–69.3%. • Furfural, phenol, 3-methyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione, 3-methylphenol, 4-methylguaiacol are the major chemicals in the bio-oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to develop promising sorbents for value-added application of solid wastes, low-cost aluminum-enriched biochar was prepared from abandoned Tetra Pak used to hold milks, a paper-polyethylence-Al foil laminated package box, after acid pretreatment and subsequent slow pyrolysis under an oxygen-limited environment at 600 °C. The basic physicochemical properties of the resultant biochar were characterized and the sorption performance of aqueous As(III) and As(V) was investigated via batch and column sorption experiments. Carbon (49.1%), Ca (7.41%) and Al (13.5%) were the most abundant elements in the resultant biochar; and the specific surface area and the pH value at the point of zero charge (pHPZC) were 174 m 2  g −1 and 9.3, respectively. Batch sorption showed excellent sorption performance for both As(III) (24.2 mg g −1 ) and As(V) (33.2 mg g −1 ) and experimental data were fitted well with Langmuir model for the sorption isotherms and pseudo-second order kinetic model for the sorption kinetics. The residual concentrations of As(V) after sorption were below the limited value of arsenic in WHO Guidelines for Drinking water Quality (0.01 mg L −1 ) even if coexistence of PO 4 3− . Column sorption confirmed the high sorption performance for As(III) and As(V). So the slow pyrolysis of abandoned Tetra Paks as low-cost and value-added sorbents is a sustainable strategy for solid waste disposal and wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar, produced from biosolids using microwave pyrolysis technology, is energetically a more efficient alternative to that produced with conventional convective heating. However the potential of microwave generated biochar as a growing media amendment has not been sufficiently explored. Here we produced biochar from biosolids using microwave energy. The pyrolysis expeiments were conducted in two stages, initially using a custom built single mode chamber to explore the energetics and product distribution of the pyrolysis process at different temperatures and secondly in a 1 m 3 6 kW multi-mode chamber, to explore potential scale-up of the process. The second phase of the pyrolysis experiments was focused on biochar generation for use in the remainder of this research. Microwave pyrolyzed biochar (MB) was characterised for its chemcal and physical properties. Then, we conducted a greenhouse experiment, where we compared the ability of four growing media mixes that combined pine bark with (i) sphagnum peat and fertilizers; (ii) 20% MB and fertilizers; (iii) 60% MB and fertilizers; and (iv) 60% MB and no fertilizers, to promote plant growth and nutrient uptake and to minimise leaching losses. MB had high mesoporosity (average pore width of 4.46 nm), moderate surface area (75 m 2  g −1 ), elevated nutrient content and low heavy metal concentrations as compared to other biosolids biochars reprted in literatures. Substitution of peat with 60% MB on volume basis reduced leaching loss of nitrate and phosphate from the media but increased leaching loss of ammonium. Addition of MB in conjunction with fertilizer increased plant growth and plant nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiency. Our study has shown microwave pyrolysis as a promising technology for pyrolyzing biosolids and also has demonstrated the synergistic interaction of MB and fertilizer which results in greater plant growth and nutrient uptake and use efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixed-feedstock-biochars can increase both available soil organic matter (SOM) and inorganic nutrients, yielding a more valuable biochar for agricultural purposes. Since the agronomic benefits of biochar are dependent on its structural and physio-chemical characteristics, this study compares these properties for single- and mixed-feedstock-biochars using a range of analytical techniques. Six biochars were produced from wheat straw (Ws), and a combination of wheat straw and basalt (WsBs) at three pyrolysis temperatures, 450, 550 and 650 °C. The results showed that WsBs biochars contained higher ash contents, with considerably lower fixed carbon, volatile matter and electrical conductivity than the Ws biochars. Microscopic and spectroscopic analyses revealed increases in the concentration of Si on the surface of wheat straw particles during processing. A layer of Si on the surface of the C matrix appeared to prevent further reactions between C-rich phases and some mineral phases (mainly Fe and Ca-rich regions) at 650 °C. Other mineral compounds, such as those rich in K and Na, were adsorbed to both C and Si-rich phases. Basalt incorporation into the wheat straw particles also catalysed new functionalities. Surface C-N-based functionalities (amides) were only detected in wheat straw biochars, whereas ammonium-based groups were found in the WsBs biochars. Concentrations of dissolved organic carbon, which were affected by both feedstock composition and pyrolysis temperature, appeared to be higher in the Ws biochars, with the highest concentrations found at 450 °C. The WsBs biochars contained greater concentrations of biopolymers and humic-like substances than the Ws biochars. These organic fractions would increase the availability of micro-nutrients, reduce ions leaching and promote soil strength and resistance to erosion following the biochar application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar, produced from the biomass slow pyrolysis technology, has been widely applied to the industry and agriculture. This paper investigated the effect of the pyrolysis temperature (250, 350, 450, 550, 650, and 750 °C) on the chemical composition, functional group, pore structure and crystallographic structure of biochar from palm kernel shell (PKS). The basic properties of biochar was mainly tested by a serial instruments including thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), automatic adsorption analyzer, X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Raman spectra, and solid-state 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance spectra ( 13 C NMR). The results showed that as the pyrolysis temperature increased: (1) the carbon content, HHV and pH value reached their maximum values of 78.95%, 31.55 MJ kg −1 and 10.03 at 750 °C, respectively, (2) the content of the surface functional group decreased, (3) the oxygen-contained carbon structure including O-alkyl-C and carboxylic-C decreased from 11.71% and 3.72% to 1.12% and 1.11%, respectively, while the aryl-C structure increased from 65.98% to 93.18%, (4) the specific surface area (S BET ) reached the maximum value of 403.99 m 2 g −1 at 650 °C. This systematic study on the evolution of the basic physicochemical characteristics will provide a good reference for the high value-added application of PKSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar application into soil has been considered as an effective strategy to improve soil fertility. It has been recognised that biochar, produced from a single feedstock at a particular highest heating temperature (HTT), may not optimise plant yield. A mixture of selected biomass feedstocks, together with appropriate pyrolysis conditions, is suggested as a means to optimise biochar properties and its subsequent effectiveness on soil. However, in order to match selective biochar with specific soil requirements and to maximise its effect on plant growth, it is essential to characterise the biochar, especially the organic components, that can affect soil organic matter and nutrient availability once the biochar is applied. Therefore, the objective of this present work is to characterise the properties of organic compounds in a mixed feedstock biochar produced from two Australian agricultural residues, wheat straw and chicken litter (WsCl), at three pyrolysis temperatures (450 °C, 550 °C and 650 °C) using advanced microscopic, spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques. The results showed that organic compounds are significantly controlled by the pyrolysis temperature. The biochars obtained at 650 °C had a high pH value, C and ash contents, but low O, N and H contents, whereas WsCl450 contained the highest N content. Nitrogen was either removed as a volatile matter or condensed during heat treatment to form aromatic structures, which were less soluble. WsCl biochar produced at 550 °C, with the highest concentration of fixed carbon and aromatic C structure, will presumably be more stable once it is applied. Increases in the pyrolysis temperature also developed pores, which promoted mineral attachment, that arose from the chicken litter particles, inside the pores (mainly Ca and P rich phases) and on the surface (predominantly Si rich phases) of wheat straw particles. Moreover, increasing pyrolysis temperature resulted in a much lower DOC content in the higher temperature biochars, where low molecular fractions were dominant. These results indicate that it is possible to influence biochar properties and develop value-added biochar with unique characteristics tailored for specific agricultural applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrolysis of four different crop residues (wheat straw, maize straw, rice straw and rice husk) was carried out at 400 °C in a designed mobile bench-scale pyrolyser. Proximate analysis and elemental analysis were performed together with determination of pH, nutrients, surface area, and functional groups of the produced biochars. Significant variations of the biochar characteristics were related to type and source of the feedstock. Biochar yield was found to vary from 33.4% to 43.8%, whereas the liquid and syn-gas yield varied from 21.2% to 27.5% and 30.8% to 39.1%, respectively. Carbon and major nutrients of N, P and K were enriched but hydrogen, oxygen and sulfur were lower in the biochars due to the pyrolysis process. All of the biochars were alkaline, ranging from a pH 7.3 to pH 10.7. Among the feedstock sources, biochar from rice straw was high in pH, cation exchange capacity as well as in nutrient contents, indicating a greater potential use of rice straw biochar as amendment to acid, nutrient-poor rice soils. As tested in this study, the crop residues available in China currently could potentially produce 160.2 Mt of biochar per year, with a potential to sequester 0.30 Pg CO2 year-1. In addition, syngas produced via pyrolysis process could be used to provide process heat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The biochar/TiO 2 composite was prepared by facile biomass-assisted pyrolysis and activation strategies. • Better photocatalytic activity than pure TiO 2 and commercial graphite/TiO 2 composite. • The interaction between TiO 2 and biochar influences the photocatalytic performance. • The method is simple, cheap, and environmental. Titanium dioxide (TiO 2) is a promising semiconductor photocatalyst for degradation of organic pollutants but is hampered by bandwidth prohibition and high probability of photo-generated electron-hole recombination. Searching for effective modification strategies to alleviate these issues is thus particularly significant. Herein, two series of composites of TiO 2 and graphene-like biochar (PC) were prepared via a simple biomass-assisted pyrolysis coupled with activation strategy and characterized by various techniques. The methylene blue (MB)-simulated waste water was used to evaluate their adsorptive and photocatalytic performances. The results showed that the optimal TiO 2 -PC composite delivered an excellent photocatalytic performance, nearly 4 times as TiO 2. The enhanced performance was probably caused by the synergistic effect among the graphene-like PC, the self-introduced N/O heteroatom, and the interaction between TiO 2 and PC. Furthermore, the possible photocatalytic process was also proposed. This work may provide a guidance on preparing high-performance composites through a simple, cheap, and environmental biomass-assisted strategy for highly-efficient photocatalysis application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Enriched biochar (EB) was synthesized by mixing biochar with clay and minerals. [•] Microstructure of EB was studied with SEM and TEM. [•] Interactions between the organic and mineral phase were observed. [•] The half-life of enriched biochar-C was estimated to be 104 years. [•] The cumulative mineralization rate of EB is lower compared to high ash biochars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Apricot kernel shell was utilized as a potential feedstock to produce bio-oil. [•] The maximum bio-oil yield was obtained as 26.3% at optimum conditions. [•] The bio-oil has an empirical formula of CH1.53O0.31N0.01, H/C atomic ratio of 1.53. [•] The heating value of the bio-oil is 27.19MJ/kg. [•] The BET surface area of char was determined as 195m2/g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal conversion (pyrolysis) of biomass for energy production and the incorporation into agricultural soils of the carbon-rich byproduct (biochar) can contribute to the mitigation of climate change. The beneficial effect of biochar on soil fertility and its stability to degradation depends on the interactions of soil and climatic conditions with biochar physicochemical properties, the latter mainly depend on feedstock and pyrolysis conditions. The aim of the present research was to study the effect of pyrolysis temperature on physicochemical properties of miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus) biochar and on its short-term stability. Biochar properties were assessed by FTIR spectroscopy, CHN-elemental and simultaneous thermogravimetry (STA) analyses and the short-term stability in a 6-month incubation experiment. All the analytical techniques indicated a threshold value of pyrolysis temperature of 360 °C, above which the thermal and biological resistance to degradation increased dramatically. FTIR spectroscopy showed characteristic absorption bands of cellulose and hemicelluloses (1000–1200 cm−1) in the low-temperature biochars that disappeared in high-temperature biochars. In these latter the absorption peaks associated with aromatic structures increased as confirmed by the decrease of both O/C and H/C ratios. This finding agrees with the STA results showing an increase of DTG temperature peak for high pyrolysis temperatures biochars. The incubation experiment confirmed an increased resistance to biological decomposition of biochar produced at temperatures above 360 °C. The results of the present study demonstrate that biochar thermal and biological stability is affected by pyrolysis temperature in a nonlinear manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Production of bio-oil from sewage sludge. [•] Iron mass balance. [•] Characterization of bio-oil, char and gases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Evaluation of biochar properties from pyrolysis with slow and high heating rates. [•] Biochar yields from pyrolysis with slow heating rate were high for all biomasses. [•] Biochar analyses by CHNS, ICP-MS, SEM, Raman spectroscopy, FT-IR, TG–DTG and XRD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Four types of Canadian waste biomass were used for the fast pyrolysis using a mobile pyrolysis unit. [•] The effects of pyrolysis temperature were investigated on the properties of pyrolysis products for each precursor. [•] Comprehensive characterization of 4 feedstocks collected from 3 main sources of Canadian biomass (agricultural wastes, forest residue and animal manure) was performed. [•] Bio-char and bio-oil are characterized to evaluate their energy and agronomic potentials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Pyrolysis of rice straw to create biochar for soil amendment appears to be a promising method to address concerns with regard to improving soil fertility, increasing Carbon storage and decreasing Green House Gas emissions. However, the ability of rice straw-derived biochar to affect these factors might vary depending on its characteristics. It is therefore essential to investigate the properties before large-scale application of rice straw-derived biochar. In this study, rice straw-derived biochars produced at different temperatures (300, 400, 500, 600 & 700 °C) and residence time (1, 2, 3 & 5 h) were characterized using a suite of analytical techniques. Results showed that pyrolysis temperature had a greater influence than residence time on the chemical composition and structure of rice straw-derived biochar produced at low heating rate. The rice straw-derived biochars especially produced at 400 °C had high alkalinity and cation exchange capacity, and high levels of available phosphorus and extractable cations. These properties indicate potential application of rice straw-derived biochar as a fertilizer and soil amendment. Fourier transform infrared spectra showed that higher pyrolysis temperatures promote condensation reactions. Rice straw-derived biochars contained turbostratic crystallites at 400 °C, and displayed a high level of aromatization at 500 °C. Increasing charring temperature will increase the aromaticity of biochar, and might include its recalcitrance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The physico-chemical properties of biochars from the vacuum pyrolysis of black wattle and vineyard annual prunings were investigated for their potential as soil amendments and compared to biochar from sugar cane bagasse. Biochar from sugar cane bagasse seems to be a promising sorbent and soil conditioner due to its high surface area, high surface acidity and microporous structure. This biochar can be applied to a wide pH range of soils for enhancing nutrient and water retention. On the other hand, the biochars from black wattle and vineyard possessing high concentrations of aromatic carbon, nutrients, and alkalinity are potential soil amendment agents. Black wattle biochar is more beneficial compared to biochar from vineyard due to its higher surface area, microporosity and cation exchange capacity. Therefore, this study recommends the utilization of biochars from black wattle as soil amendment agents especially in subtropical regions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objective of this study was the full characterization of pruning residue from macrophyte Cyperus giganteus from tertiary wastewater treatment plant (WTP), Ponte dos Leites, located in Araruama, RJ, Brazil. Analyses aimed to systematically assess the feasibility of using the pruning residues as an energy resource. To do so, macrophytes were submitted to experimental analyses of their physical properties (real density: 0.44–0.77 g cm−3, bulk density: 0.08–0.09 g cm−3, among other characteristics), chemical and proximate analyses, and thermal analysis. Results of thermal behavior characterized the biomass as a viable energy source (high heat value, 14–16 MJ kg−1). C. giganteus different samples fractions analyses confirmed that molecular structures of the macrophyte (lignin: 17.3–26.8 wt %, cellulose: 27.8–32.6 wt %, hemicellulose: 30.1–31.5 wt %; depending on the plant part) affect thermal decomposition behavior. Maximum mass losses ranged from 83.43 to 75.91%. Energy production potential from biomass pruning residues generated at Ponte dos Leites was estimated to be around 92,400 MJ mês−1. This shows the effectiveness of using pruning residues biomass from macrophyte Cyperus giganteus for energy production, highlighting its energy potential, and support its use as inputs in thermal conversion processes. [Display omitted] • Physical-chemical characterization of Cyperus giganteus pruning residues from CW. • Assessment of C. giganteus biomass thermal properties (TGA, LHV, HHV and UHV). • Potential use of C. giganteus biomass for bioenergy production (biochar). • Potential use of biochar from C. giganteus biomass for agricultural purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrolysis of agricultural biomass is a promising technique for producing renewable energy and effectively managing solid waste. In this study, groundnut shell (GNS) was processed at 500 °C in an inert gas atmosphere with a gas flow rate and a heating rate of 10 mL/min and 10 °C/min, respectively, in a custom-designed fluidized bed pyrolytic-reactor. Under optimal operating conditions, the GNS-derived pyrolytic-oil yield was 62.8 wt.%, with the corresponding biochar (19.5 wt.%) and biogas yields (17.7 wt.%). The GC-MS analysis of the GNS-based bio-oil confirmed the presence of (trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-amine (18.814%), 2-Fluoroformyl-3,3,4,4-tetrafluoro-1,2-oxazetidine (16.23%), 5,7-dimethyl-1H-Indazole (11.613%), N-methyl-N-nitropropan-2-amine (6.5%) and butyl piperidino sulfone (5.668%) as major components, which are used as building blocks in the biofuel, pharmaceutical, and food industries. Furthermore, a 2 × 5 × 1 artificial neural network (ANN) architecture was developed to predict the decomposition behavior of GNS at heating rates of 5, 10, and 20 °C/min, while the thermodynamic and kinetic parameters were estimated using a non-isothermal model-free method. The Popescu method predicted activation energy (E a) of GNS biomass ranging from 111 kJ/mol to 260 kJ/mol, with changes in enthalpy (ΔH), Gibbs-free energy (ΔG), and entropy (ΔS) ranging from 106 to 254 kJ/mol, 162–241 kJ/mol, and −0.0937 to 0.0598 kJ/mol/K, respectively. The extraction of high-quality precursors from GNS pyrolysis was demonstrated in this study, as well as the usefulness of the ANN technique for thermogravimetric analysis of biomass. • Production and characterization of pyrolytic-oil derived from groundnut shell. • Kinetic studies and thermodynamic parameters estimation by Popescu method. • GC-MS analysis indicated the value-added constituents of pyrolytic-oil. • The developed ANN model showed good agreement with experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide available, attractive, and invasive biomass as water hyacinth and its characteristic has been discussed in this review. Water hyacinth biomass, as well as its production, characterization and applications, are specifically analysed. The basic principles for the conversion of biomass into biochar via physiochemical processes as well as their usability with catalyst are also elaborated which enhance their quality of products. Water hyacinth has been gained much attention in biochar production, biomethane, biohydrogen, biogas, and utilisation in case of wastewater treatment. Even more focused consideration is still needed to develop integrated decentralized water systems and production of the most valuable and qualitative products like biochar used in power generation. They can be used for various purposes in soil amendment, pollution abatement, carbon dioxide sequestration, CO 2 capture etc. Economic analysis should be done for the profitability of the process. Image 1 • Basic mechanism and metabolism of WH has been discussed. • An overview on the WH biomass in biochar production has been accomplished and also described economic analysis in brief. • Structure, distribution, mathematical models has been described elaborately. • Challenges and future prospects of WH biomass have been illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current scenario of climate change, the search for alternative energy sources is very important to reduce the use of fossil fuels. Undesired biomass (weed) from agricultural fields can be used to produce biofuels through nano catalysts enhanced gasification and process. Lignocellulosic part of weedy plants represents a potential alternative feedstock for economic production of bioethanol. Large numbers of weedy plant species are growing all over the world. However, high energy requirements and poor-quality biofuel products are the major constraints for utilization of this technology. Nanomaterials could be used as a catalyst to enhance the energy use efficiency and product quality. So, present study was conducted to produce bio-gas, bio-diesel and bio-char from mixed weed biomass of weeds like Carthamous oxyacantha, Asphodelus tenuifolius and Chenopodium album through gasification process using nano-materials as catalysts. Nickel and cobalt nano-particles were used as nano-catalysts to expedite the bio-chemical reactions for the generation of these products at lower temperatures i.e. (400 C°) in a muffle furnace. Further, these products were characterized using GC-MS analysis. It was observed that biodiesel contained 65.47% esters, which indicates its better quality than the normally produced biodiesel having 15–20% esters contents. Similarly, GC-MS analysis of biogas produced from mixed weed biomass showed 3.76% Methane, 8.32% Propane, 50.16% Ethene, 3.12% Propyne and 34.64% Methanol. The present results clearly exhibited the improved product quality and better energy use efficiency in gasification of weed biomass for bioenergy production. Image 1 • Strategic recycling of weed biomass into useful biofuels and biochar using nano-catalysts. • Nano-catalysts can accomplish gasification of weed biomass at lower temperatures. • Biodiesel of weed biomass is of better quality and environment friendly. • The biochar produced from weed biomass can be used as soil amendment. • Biogas produced from weed biomass is a good source of hydrocarbon fuel gases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]