Synthesis and Performance Investigation of Biowaste derived Biochar Pellets for Desulfurization of Biogas

Abstract

Bio-waste, energy resources and climate change concerns coupled with the sustainability of the nexus of bio-waste, and energy have changed the perception from a waste to resource of energy. Renewable technologies, such as solar, wind, hydro, and biogas energy have proved alternative for fossil fuel energy. The problem attached with raw biogas is the presence of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which does not only reduce energy potential, but also contributes in environmental pollution. H2S is highly corrosive and shows hazardous effects on human health. Therefore, it is essential to desulfurize the biogas. There are different physical, chemical and biological techniques to remove H2S gas from biogas such as adsorption, absorption, dry scrubbing, wet scrubbing, membrane filtration and bio tricking filters etc. Unlike complex physical, chemical or biological processes that may require high pressure, temperature, or specific operational conditions, biomass and biochar adsorption process is generally simple to implement and operate. The superior properties of biochar such as high surface area, porous structure and functional group make biochar an effective adsorbent in removal of H2S in biogas. BC pellets were fabricated for performance evaluation of sulfur removal from biogas. The pellets of biochar exhibited removal efficiency of H2S better than biomass pellets. The best adsorption of H2S was shown by the combination of biochar pellets of date seeds and banana peels. The results suggested that biochar pellets offer a promising, ecofriendly alternative to conventional desulfurization methods in small to medium scale biogas systems. The use of bio-waste-derived biochar for the removal of H2S in biogas from anaerobic digester can potentially turn waste material into a sustainable alternative to conventional adsorbents by using waste valorization concept to upgrade the bio methane. This study can potentially address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of United Nations.