Adeniyi, A. G., Iwuozor, K. O., Ajala, M. A., Emenike, E. C., Amoloye, M. A., Aderibigbe, F. A., … Saliu, O. D. (2024). Teak leaf 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 production for sustainable forest waste management at low temperatures. Biofuels, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1080/17597269.2024.2377493

A recent study explored converting teak leaves, an abundant forest by-product, into biochar as an environmentally friendly method to manage forest waste sustainably. The researchers used a low-temperature 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 process with a top-lit updraft mechanism to transform teak leaves into biochar. This method proved efficient, resulting in a substantial biochar yield of 37.4 wt%. The thermal process was precisely modeled using the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm within an artificial neural network (ANN) framework.

The analysis revealed that the teak leaf biochar contains a high carbon content of 64.40%, making it a valuable material for various uses. The biochar’s textural properties were also impressive, showing a significant surface area of 371.78 m²/g and a total pore volume of 0.175 cm³/g. These features enhance the biochar’s applicability in multiple fields.

Further investigations with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) displayed a diverse network of pores and a rough surface structure, underscoring the biochar’s versatility. This study highlights the environmental benefits of producing biochar from teak leaves at low temperatures, presenting a sustainable alternative for managing forest waste while preserving high carbon content.