RSM-based co-gasification of palm oil decanter cake and sugarcane bagasse: Syngas production and biochar characteristics

The production of syngas (CO + H₂) and biochar from biomass waste co-gasification promotes sustainable energy while addressing environmental remediation challenges. This study investigates the co-gasification of palm oil decanter cake (PODC) and sugarcane bagasse (SB) to optimize syngas production and obtain biochar in a fixed bed horizontal tube furnace reactor. Operating variables, including temperature (700–900 °C), biomass ratio (30–70 wt%), and particle size (0.25–2 mm), were optimized using Response Surface Methodology with the Box-Behnken design. Characterization analyses including Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR), and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopic (FESEM) analyses were conducted on the biochar. The optimal conditions yielded a syngas volume of 41.5 vol% and a biochar of 0.3 wt%, achieved at 900 °C temperature, 42 wt% PODC biomass ratio, and 2 mm particle size. BET analysis revealed a mesoporous structure biochar with surface area of 398.55 m²/g, pore volume of 0.13 cm³/g, and pore diameter of 6.49 nm. FTIR analysis indicated the presence of hydroxyl groups, carbonyl groups, aromatic compounds, and hydrocarbon structures. FESEM analysis showed well-defined pore structures on the biochar surface, with EDX analysis confirming a dominant carbon content of 83.32 wt%. These findings substantially enhance sustainable approaches in energy production, agriculture, and wastewater treatment, while effectively tackling environmental issues associated with biomass waste.