Characterization of Sago-based Biochar as Potential Feedstock for Solid Fuel

Due to decreasing supply of fossil fuels and growing environmental concerns, the application of biomass-derived energy is gaining in importance nowadays. In this study, batch pyrolysis was used to derive biochar from Sago (Metroxylon Spp) in an electrical furnance reactor. Raw biomass was selected from different sources of Sago palm including barks, fronds and cortex and the characterization was conducted for each source individually. The range between 350 ºC and 550 ºC temperature, the materials were pyrolyzed and with constant nitrogen flow rate of 50 mL min-1. Each sample of biochar produced are evaluated through proximate analysis, ultimate analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to study its potential as solid fuel for energy production. The pH value of biochar was also calculated experimentally. The total yield following by the amount of ash, volatile matter, fixed carbon content and high heating value (calorific value) were obtained in the results of all three biochar samples. Various pyrolysis temperatures resulted in different char production yield and therefore the carbon content of the produced biochars were varied within the range of 40 to 53 wt. % which is corresponded to 35 to 40 wt. % of the carbon content in biomass samples. The pH of biochar was observed to increase from 7 to 8.3 with temperature rised from 350 ºC to 550 ºC. The results from this study can be used to establish the ideal utilization routes of biomass in production of biochar as well as the source of energy.