Mishra et al., in their study published in Results in Engineering, investigated the process of converting peanut shell waste (PNS) into biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More using pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More. The researchers explored the impact of adding calcium oxide (CaO) as a catalyst during the pyrolysis process, examining its effects on biochar yield and properties. Their findings demonstrated that CaO significantly influenced the characteristics of the biochar, increasing its yield and altering its chemical composition.

The study involved pyrolysis of PNS in a fixed-bed vertical reactor at 600 °C with and without the addition of CaO. The researchers conducted a kinetic analysis using the Vyazovkin method to understand the pyrolysis process and characterized the resulting biochar using various techniques. They found that adding CaO increased the biochar yield by approximately 6.5% due to enhanced carbonation reactions. However, it also led to a reduction in surface area and an alteration in surface morphology and pore sizes.  

This research highlights the potential of utilizing waste biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More, such as peanut shells, to produce valuable biochar. The use of CaO as a catalyst further enhances the process, increasing biochar yield and influencing its properties. The study provides valuable insights into the production and characterization of biochar, contributing to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable waste management and resource recovery.  

The findings of this study have implications for the development of sustainable agricultural practices and environmental protection. Biochar can be used as a soil amendmentA soil amendment is any material added to the soil to enhance its physical or chemical properties, improving its suitability for plant growth. Biochar is considered a soil amendment as it can improve soil structure, water retention, nutrient availability, and microbial activity.   More to improve soil health, enhance nutrient retention, and promote plant growth. It can also serve as an adsorbent for removing pollutants from water and soil. By converting waste biomass into valuable biochar, we can reduce waste, promote resource recovery, and contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy.  

Source: Mishra, R. K., Chinnam, S., & Sharma, A. (2025). Thermocatalytic pyrolysis of low-value waste biomass: Thermal decomposition, kinetics behaviour, and biochar characterization. Results in Engineering, 25, 104210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2025.104210