| Title: |
Thermochemical evaluation of biochars properties from Portuguese agro-forestry residues for solid fuel applications |
| Authors: |
Amadeu D. S. Borges; Mariana Cardoso; Miguel Oliveira |
| Source: |
Scientific Reports, Vol 16, Iss 1, Pp 1-14 (2025) |
| Publisher Information: |
Nature Portfolio, 2025. |
| Publication Year: |
2025 |
| Collection: |
LCC:Medicine; LCC:Science |
| Subject Terms: |
Biochar; Pyrolysis; Energy density; Fixed carbon; Heating value; Biomass residues; Medicine; Science |
| Description: |
Abstract This study provides a high-quality comparative characterization of biochars derived from regionally significant Portuguese feedstocks: hazelnut shell, pine, pinecone, oak pruning waste, and swine manure. All feedstocks were subjected to pyrolysis at 450 °C to evaluate their potential as solid fuels. The results demonstrate the clear superiority of woody-based biochars for energy applications, with hazelnut shell biochar exhibiting the highest fixed carbon (up to 82.89%) and the highest lower heating value (up to 31.64 MJ/kg). In contrast, swine manure biochar proved unsuitable as a standalone fuel due to its extremely high ash content (48.34%). A notable preliminary finding, based on a single case study, was the significant improvement in carbon content in a slow-cooled hazelnut sample, suggesting that post-pyrolysis conditions are not chemically inert and offer a promising avenue for future research in biochar optimization. This work highlights a hierarchical valorisation model for local biomass, classifying feedstocks for optimal use in premium fuel production, general energy applications, or soil amendment based on their distinct thermochemical properties. |
| Document Type: |
article |
| File Description: |
electronic resource |
| Language: |
English |
| ISSN: |
2045-2322 |
| Relation: |
https://doaj.org/toc/2045-2322 |
| DOI: |
10.1038/s41598-025-30809-5 |
| Access URL: |
https://doaj.org/article/af18e602c8a94f4bbffbb3bb0f396a42 |
| Accession Number: |
edsdoj.f18e602c8a94f4bbffbb3bb0f396a42 |
| Database: |
Directory of Open Access Journals |