Comprehensive microstructural evaluation of biochar, biocoke, and anthracite with respect to the CO2 reactivity
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: With the growing interest in carbon biomaterials, understanding their properties and reactivity is principal for metallurgical applications. This study systematically evaluates the microstructural features of biochars obtained at 400°C and 600°C, biocoke (5 wt% wood pellets), and anthracite (reference) via advanced characterization techniques. Applying X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) with van Krevelen plots characterizes in-depth the chemical changes in carbon biomaterials after pyrolysis or carbonization, showing the carbon structure–reactivity relationship. XRD measurements reveal a progressive decrease in interlayer spacing of crystalline graphitic carbon (d002) while crystallite height (Lc) and width (La) increase, indicating greater structural order in biocoke. FT-ICR-MS, the van Krevelen plots and statistical evaluation of the heteroatomic class distributions confirm that biochar samples are rich in oxygen-containing and unsaturated nitrogen-containing compounds. Biocoke and anthracite predominantly contain aromatic and unsaturated compounds, showing their high condensation levels. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of CO2 gasification shows that biochars have higher reactivity than anthracite and biocoke, with reactivity decreasing in the order: biochar 400°C > biochar 600°C > anthracite > biocoke. Microstructural ordering, van Krevelen plots, and molecular-level assessment by FT-ICR-MS were found to be effective determinants of carbon materials reactivity.
Source: Results in Engineering
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,940
Funder: Opetushallitus
Award: G5273701734
OpenAlex ID: W4411140116