Value-added biochar production from microwave pyrolysis of peanut shell

Abstract In order to seek efficient resource utilization, the carbonization of agricultural and forestry wastes through microwave pyrolysis technology is an important research hotspot to develop value-added products. The main objective is to produce value-added biochar through microwave pyrolysis of peanut shell in this study. The product yields, functional groups, and biochar HHVs caused by pyrolysis temperature (400, 450, 500, 550, and 600 °C), microwave power (350, 450, 550, 650, and 750 W), and residence time (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 min) were investigated, and the energy recovery efficiencies were evaluated. It was obtained that the biochar yield declined monotonously within the range of 45.3–86.0 wt% with the enhancement of pyrolysis temperature, microwave power, or residence time. The pyrolysis temperature of 400 °C, microwave power of 350 W, and residence time of 10 min generated the maximum biochar yield (86.0 wt%). The value-added biochar was obtained with high HHV (20.15–31.02 MJ/kg) and abundant oxygen-contained functional groups (C–O bonds and C=O bonds). The maximum energy recovery efficiency during the whole process reached 97.96%. The results indicated that the peanut shell could reach high biochar yield through microwave pyrolysis, and potentially be transformed into value-added products with high energy recovery efficiency.