Organic/metallic component analysis of lignocellulosic biomass: A thermochemical-perspective-based study on rice and bamboo waste.

Thermochemical treatment is significantly impacted by the physiochemical properties of lignocellulosic biomass. Traditional characterization methods lack granularity, requiring advanced analytical techniques for comprehensive biomass characterization. This study analyzed elemental composition and their distribution in untreated rice husk, rice straw, and bamboo chips at micron and sub-micron scales. Results reveal significant variations in composition and spatial distribution of metallic components among agro-residues. Thermogravimetric analysis shows divergent decomposition patterns, while spectroscopic analysis indicates structural complexities and distinct silica content. Surface mapping illustrates prevalent silica and alkali metals on rice husk and rice straw. Atomic force microscopy depicts distinctive surface morphologies, with rice straw exhibiting heightened roughness due to silica bodies. Inductively coupled plasma-mass-spectrometry identified the abundance of alkali and alkaline earth metals in rice waste. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry elucidates elemental spatial localization, affirming heterogeneous distribution across rice waste and homogenous distribution across bamboo waste. This study bridges the gap between biomass composition and optimized thermochemical conversion outcomes.

Biochar production and its environmental applications: Recent developments and machine learning insights.

Biochar production through thermochemical processing is a sustainable biomass conversion and waste management approach. However, commercializing biochar faces challenges requiring further research and development to maximize its potential for addressing environmental concerns and promoting sustainable resource management. This comprehensive review presents the state-of-the-art in biochar production, emphasizing quantitative yield and qualitative properties with varying feedstocks. It discusses the technology readiness level and commercialization status of different production strategies, highlighting their environmental and economic impacts. The review focuses on integrating machine learning algorithms for process control and optimization in biochar production, improving efficiency. Additionally, it explores biochar's environmental applications, including soil amendment, carbon sequestration, and wastewater treatment, showcasing recent advancements and case studies. Advances in biochar technologies and their environmental benefits in various sectors are discussed herein.