Gasification Characteristics of Biochar and Hydrochar Derived from Waste Mushroom Media in Three Types of Carbonization Reactors

Abstract

Biomass energy is garnering interest as a sustainable next-generation energy source due to its renewability and less likelihood of depletion compared to fossil fuels. Agricultural by-products, generated from farming activities, are primarily utilized as feed or soil conditioners. However, with the prohibition of incinerating these by-products, alternative treatment methods are limited. Agricultural by-products, possessing significant energy potential, can serve as valuable fuel resources. Gasification is a technique for converting biomass into energy. Due to their low energy density and sensitivity to moisture, agricultural by-products require pretreatment processes like carbonization to enhance their usability. Carbonization improves bulk density and heating value, reduces tar production during gasification, and increases yield. This study examines the gasification characteristics of biochar from various carbonization reactions. It was found that higher carbonization temperatures increased the carbon content and fixed carbon, thereby enhancing the calorific value. Gasification results revealed that hydrogen content increased with the carbonization temperature, with biochar produced through hydrothermal carbonization at 250°C showing the highest hydrogen content. While H2+CO levels increased post-carbonization, the microwave method proved most effective considering the yield.