Hydrothermal conversion is a relatively new method for the conversion of biomass into carbonaceous material (hydrochar). This work shows how feedstock type and temperature affect the yield, physicochemical properties, and sorption ability of biomass-derived hydrochars. Three different feedstocks (bagasse, hickory, and peanut hull) and conversion temperatures (200�C, 250�C, and 300�C) were used for the production of a total of nine hydrochars. Basic physicochemical properties (e.g., pH, surface area, surface potential, and elemental composition) of the nine samples were determined in the laboratory. In addition, batch sorption experiments were conducted to measure their ability to take up methylene blue, lead, and phosphate from aqueous solutions. Bagasse and hickory hydrochars produced at 200�C were most effective at sorbing methylene blue and lead. For all tested samples, the sorption capacity of the hydrochar decreased with increasing production temperature. None of the nine hydrochars were able to adsorb phosphate. Findings from this study indicate that feedstock and production temperature are crucial to determining the sorption ability of a hydrochar, and low temperature hydrochars are highly effective sorbents for heavy metals and dyes.

Production, characterization, and sorption ability of biomass derived hydrochars

248th National Meeting (2014)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.