Solvothermal liquefaction of orange peels into biocrude: An experimental investigation of biocrude yield and energy compositional dependency on process variables

Publication Type

Journal Article

Publication Date (Issue Year)

2023

Journal Name

Bioresource Technology

Abstract

The efficient valorization of biomass for energy-derived biocrudes is essential for effective waste management. However, the production of biocrudes with high energy and reduced oxygen contents during the liquefaction process requires further insight. Therefore, the impact of reaction temperature, residence time, and ethanol: acetone on the energy compositions and bioproduct’s yield enhancement were investigated. The biocrudes obtained were characterized using elemental analysis, GC–MS, FTIR, GPC and TGA to understand the effects of process parameters on the biocrudes’ compositions. An improved HHV (38.18 MJ/kg) and lower O/C ratio (0.11) were obtained at 430 °C, 35 min and 50% ethanol with a significant improvement in the enhancement factor, deoxygenation, and percentage hydrogenation of 2.63, 36.88%, and 77.87%, respectively. The presence of ketones, hydrocarbons, phenolics and aromatics of 23.74, 4.28, 37.20 and 17.81% respectively indicate the potential of the obtained biocrude as renewable energy sources upon further upgrading.

Keywords

Solvothermal liquefaction, orange peels, biocrude, experimental investigation, biocrude yield, energy compositional dependency, process variables

Rsif Scholar Name

Ishaq Kariim

Rsif Scholar Nationality

Nigeria

Cohort

Cohort 3

Thematic Area

Minerals, Mining and Materials Engineering

Africa Host University (AHU)

Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), Tanzania

Funding Statement

The supports received from the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology-Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (PASET-RSIF) with project number P165581, Junior Faculty Development programme under the UM6P/EPFL Excellence in Africa Initiative with grant number 9150 and the Research and Development Program of the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER-C3-2474) were highly appreciated.

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