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Ozone pretreatment and process optimization to improve fuel pellet production from sugarcane bagasse pith

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Sugarcane bagasse pith (SBP), a byproduct of the sugar production process, remains largely underutilized despite its potential as a biomass fuel. The present study investigates the effects of ozone pretreatment on SBP to improve its physicochemical and pelletizing properties for biofuel pellet production. Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with Central Composite Design (CCD), key variables including moisture content, die temperature, pressure, and ozonation time were optimized to enhance pellet density and mechanical strength. Ozone treatment, performed in a fixed-bed reactor, significantly reduced lignin content, increased volatile matter, and lowered ash content, resulting in improved fuel properties. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed enhanced thermal stability of ozone-treated SBP. Pellets produced from ozonated SBP had superior mechanical properties compared to untreated samples. The findings suggest ozone pretreatment as a promising, environmentally friendly technology to enhance the quality of biomass fuel pellets. Future research should explore the scalability, long-term storage stability, and cost-effectiveness of this approach to advance its industrial application.

Source: Bioresource Technology

DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132321

Authors: Zahra Nemati, Mohammad Hossein Kianmehr, Akbar Arabhosseini, Ali Abdulkhani, Wolfgang Stelte

Institutions: University of Tehran, Technical University of Denmark

Language: English

Topic: Thermochemical Biomass Conversion Processes

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,880