Biochar produced from sugarcane husks and sawdust

Scientists have used rice husks and sawdust to make biochar to help emit less CO2 and reduce the shortage of fossil fuels.

Biochar is produced from a mixture of sugar cane husks and sawdust.(Photo: Biogreen Energy)

Researchers at the University of Science and Technology (Anhui, China) sought to make biochar from plant waste , contributing to climate change mitigation and environmental pollution. The research is published in Science Advances .

To make biochar, the team pyrolysis of plant waste such as rice husks, sawdust, corn stalks at temperatures of 500 degrees C in anaerobic environment. This process produces bio-oil. The bio-oil is then distilled in an atmosphere from room temperature to about 240 degrees Celsius. The resulting products are biochar and liquid chemicals.

Some types of plant waste are often discarded while they are chemically stable, providing high energy value. The use of biochar helps to produce less CO ₂ into the environment because biochar does not contain toxic components such as zinc, lead, manganese, causing environmental pollution. Developing biochar in particular and renewable energy in general is essential to reduce fossil fuel shortages and climate change issues. In addition to replacing natural coal, biochar can substitute for natural gas.

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