Synthesis and characterization of biochar adsorbents from sugarcane bagasse and cow dung

Title : Synthesis and characterization of biochar adsorbents from sugarcane bagasse and cow dung

Abstract:

This study aimed at synthesizing and characterizing the properties of two locally available ‘waste biomass materials’ as potential biochar adsorbents. The two biochars were cow dung (CDB) and sugarcane bagasse (SBB). These substrates were pyrolyzed in controlled anaerobic media at 300 – 400 ?. The synthesized biochar was characterized for physico-chemical properties (pore volumes, bulk density, specific surface area, point surface area) using Brauner-Emmer Teller, BET analysis at varying relative pressures of carbon dioxide and nitrogen gases. The phases and particle size of the biochar was analyzed using X-ray diffraction. Specific surface area, SSA analysis, morphology and functional groups was conducted by scanning electron microscopy – energy dispersive spectroscopy and fourier infrared spectroscopy respectively. Further elemental and oxide analysis was confirmed using inductive coupled plasma – optical emission spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence methods. Thermal analysis was also done to check the stability of the biochar under varying conditions. The results found the SBB sample to have a smoother morphology with more elemental carbon and oxygen compared to the CDB. The average particle size of the SBB was 27.1 nm while that of CDB was 29.2 nm. The average SSAs, pore volume and median pore widths was 42,877 and 43,005 m²/g; 0.082 and 0.084 cm³/g; and 3.571 and 3.555 Å for SBB and CDB respectively. The cow dung biochar sample had more alkalis such as silica, alumina and iron content. Both samples exhibited stretching Si-O and –OH peaks relevant for adsorption. The CDB sample was found to be relatively more resilient to temperature and mass changes according to the thermal gravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and differential thermal analysis conducted. In conclusion, both samples were found appropriate for adsorption of a variety of pollutant moieties. Commercial production of these biochars for water purification is thus encouraged.

Key words: cow dung; sugarcane bagasse; biochar; adsorbents

Audience Take Away Notes:

• Explain how the audience will be able to use what they learn?

The audience will learn on properties of waste biomass materials that can be tuned for use as adsorbents as well as new adsorbent synthesis methods

• How will this help the audience in their job?

This will help them develop alternative and cheaper materials for water purification which are cheaper and more available

• Does this provide a practical solution to a problem that could simplify or make a designer’s job more efficient
                  Yes. A designer would tune the preparation parameters of the adsorbents to make better                           adsorbents
• List all other benefits.

Utilization of waste materials in a more eco-friendly manner

Biography:

Mr. Bakari Chaka studies Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science in Chemistry in Maasai Mara University where he graduated in 2016 and 2020 respectively. He then enrolled in the same institution to pursue a doctorate degree in Chemistry, under the supervision of Dr. Aloys Osano (same institution) and co-supervision of Prof. Patricia Forbes (University of Pretoria, S. Africa). He is currently in his third year of study. He is a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry and has published more than 5 research articles in SCI€ journals.