Characteristics of Activated Carbons Produced from Herbaceous Biomass Feedstock

Energy security and environmental protection are at the forefront of research due to the forecasted depletion of fossil fuel reserves and the growing concern of its adverse environmental impacts. The use of renewable sources for energy applications has centered on the use of biomass feedstocks and this include from herbaceous, woody, agricultural waste, forest residues and municipal wastes. The thermochemical conversion (pyrolysis) of these biomass feedstocks has potential to produce liquid fuel, a solid residue (biochar) and non-condensable gas. The biochar is primarily composed of renewable porous carbon and other inorganic compounds. The biochar is used for soil amendment, adsorption applications, electrochemical applications, and as a matrix for catalysts development. This dissertation has documented utilization of herbaceous biomass for biochar and activated carbon production and its use for adsorption applications