Aziz & Yuri (2024) 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 Of Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) Palm in Production of 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. Junior Science Communications. https://journal.uitm.edu.my/ojs/index.php/JSC/article/view/278

In Malaysia, a leading global producer of palm oil, a study has been conducted on the potential uses of Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB)—a significant solid waste product of the palm oil industry. The study focuses on transforming EFB into biochar through pyrolysis, a process that heats the 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 at high temperatures (500°C to 700°C) in the absence of oxygen.

Biochar, a carbon-rich substance, is known for its unique porous structure and high carbon content, making it highly versatile for various applications. These include usage as a solid fuel, adsorbent material, 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, and for energy storage. To assess the quality and potential uses of biochar, the study performed detailed chemical and physical analyses, including moisture content, volatile matterVolatile matter refers to the organic compounds that are released as gases during the pyrolysis process. These compounds can include methane, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide, which can be captured and used as fuel or further processed into other valuable products.   More, ashAsh is the non-combustible inorganic residue that remains after organic matter, like wood or biomass, is completely burned. It consists mainly of minerals and is different from biochar, which is produced through incomplete combustion.   Ash Ash is the residue that remains after the complete More, and fixed carbon, adhering to ASTM standards.

The results revealed that as the temperature increased from 500°C to 700°C, the yield of biochar decreased from 38.72% to 23.51%, with ash content peaking at 74.31% at the highest temperatures—indicative of significant mineral content. The carbon content in the biochar was highest (70.32%) at 700°C, suggesting enhanced stability and longevity of the biochar produced at this temperature. Further, the analysis using FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) showed that biochar has distinct functional groups and a developed porosityPorosity of biochar is a key factor in its effectiveness as a soil amendment and its ability to retain water and nutrients. Biochar’s porosity is influenced by feedstock type and pyrolysis temperature, and it plays a crucial role in microbial activity and overall soil health. Biochar More compared to the raw EFB.

The study concludes that biochar produced at 700°C possesses the best qualities for applications such as soil amendment, due to its enhanced physicochemical properties. This not only highlights biochar’s environmental benefits but also its potential to contribute to sustainable waste management in the palm oil industry.