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Valorization of Residues from Energy Conversion of Biomass for Advanced and Sustainable Material Applications

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 January 2022) | Viewed by 42819

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Dirk Enke

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Guest Editor

Institute of Chemical Technology, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
Interests: characterization of nanoporous materials; application of nanoporous monoliths; hierarchically structured porous materials

Dr. Hossein Beidaghy Dizaji

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Guest Editor

1. Department of Thermo-chemical Conversion, DBFZ German Biomass Research Center gGmbH, 04347 Leipzig, Germany
2. Institute of Chemical Technology, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
Interests: thermochemical conversion of silica-rich biomass assortments

Dr. Volker Lenz

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Guest Editor

Department of Thermo-chemical Conversion, DBFZ German Biomass Research Center gGmbH, 04347 Leipzig, Germany
Interests: SmartBiomassHeat; Thermo-chemical conversion; Integration of Bioenergy into renewable energy systems; emission reduction; system integration of renewable energies

Dr. Thomas Zeng

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Guest Editor

Department of Thermo-chemical Conversion, DBFZ German Biomass Research Center gGmbH, 04347 Leipzig, Germany
Interests: characterization, production and optimization of solid biofuels to reduce ash related problems during combustion and gasification as well as ash valorization

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Bioenergy plays an important role in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in order to meet the ambitious targets set in the Paris agreement. The potential of high-quality wood for energy production is limited, and rapid increase in wood utilization has resulted in high-quality woody material shortage in some regions. Hence, forestall and agricultural side products as well as biogenic wastes seem to be promising alternatives. One of the main challenges in the utilization of such biomasses in energy production is their higher ash content and critical composition causing operational problems and consequently rendering their thermal conversion difficult and expensive. However, valorization of residues from conversion processes can provide a secondary benefit that could compensate additional costs caused by ash-related problems.

The scope of this Special Issue is to cover the utilization options for residues (i.e., ashes and chars) from thermochemical conversion of biomass (e.g., combustion, and gasification) and their role in an emerging sustainable bio-economy. The Special Issue will include both comprehensive reviews as well as in-depth research papers. The editors welcome contributions that address applications of the remaining ashes and chars from thermochemical conversion processes as advanced and sustainable materials, e.g., in the construction industry, catalysis, adsorption of heavy metals or CO2, and energy storage. Furthermore, studies on the influence of fuel composition, chemical and thermal fuel pre-treatment processes and conversion parameters on the characteristics and the applicability of conversion residues are highly welcome. The main paper acceptance criteria are novelty, scientific and academic excellence, as well as the originality of the submitted manuscripts

Prof. Dr. Dirk Enke
Dr. Hossein Beidaghy Dizaji
Dr. Volker Lenz
Dr. Thomas Zeng
Guest Editors

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Keywords

biomass ash valorization
thermochemical conversion
material applications
pre-treatment processes
sustainable bio-economy

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

5 pages, 206 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Valorization of Residues from Energy Conversion of Biomass for Advanced and Sustainable Material Applications

by Hossein Beidaghy Dizaji, Thomas Zeng, Volker Lenz and Dirk Enke

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 4939; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14094939 - 20 Apr 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1282

Abstract

The reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by shifting towards renewable energy sources to control global warming is one of the main challenges of the 21st century [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valorization of Residues from Energy Conversion of Biomass for Advanced and Sustainable Material Applications)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

25 pages, 4932 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Techno-Economic Analysis of Scenarios on Energy and Phosphorus Recovery from Mono- and Co-Combustion of Municipal Sewage Sludge

by Marzieh Bagheri, Marcus Öhman and Elisabeth Wetterlund

Sustainability 2022, 14(5), 2603; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14052603 - 23 Feb 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2402

Abstract

This study evaluates the techno-economic feasibility of energy and phosphorus (P) fertilizer (PF) recovery from municipal sewage sludge (MSS) through incineration in new combustion plants. We evaluated the economic impact of five critical process design choices: (1) boiler type, (2) fuel (MSS mono-combustion/co-combustion with wheat straw), (3) production scale (10/100 MW), (4) products (heat, electricity, PF), and (5) ash destination. Aspen Plus modeling provided mass and energy balances of each technology scenario. The economic feasibility was evaluated by calculating the minimum selling price of the products, as well as the MSS gate fees required to reach profitability. The dependency on key boundary conditions (operating time, market prices, policy support) was also evaluated. The results showed a significant dependency on both energy and fertilizer market prices and on financial support in the form of an MSS gate fee. Heat was preferred over combined heat and power (CHP), which was feasible only on the largest scale (100 MW) at maximum annual operating time (8000 h/y). Co-combustion showed lower heat recovery cost (19–30 €/MWh) than mono-combustion (29–66 €/MWh) due to 25–35% lower energy demand and 17–25% higher fuel heating value. Co-combustion also showed promising performance for P recovery, as PF could be recovered without ash post-treatment and sold at a competitive price, and co-combustion could be applicable also in smaller cities. When implementing ash post-treatment, the final cost of ash-based PF was more than four times the price of commercial PF. In conclusion, investment in a new combustion plant for MSS treatment appears conditional to gate fees unless the boundary conditions would change significantly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valorization of Residues from Energy Conversion of Biomass for Advanced and Sustainable Material Applications)

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15 pages, 3810 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biogenic Nanosilica Synthesis Employing Agro-Waste Rice Straw and Its Application Study in Photocatalytic Degradation of Cationic Dye

by Garima Singh, Hossein Beidaghy Dizaji, Hariprasad Puttuswamy and Satyawati Sharma

Sustainability 2022, 14(1), 539; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14010539 - 4 Jan 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3019

Abstract

The current study aims towards a holistic utilization of agro-waste rice straw (RS) to synthesize nanosilica (SiNPs) employing the sol–gel method. The effect of ashing temperature was evaluated for the synthesis process. X-ray diffraction demonstrated a broad spectrum at 21.22° for SiNPs obtained using RSA-600, signifying its amorphous nature, whereas crystalline SiNPs were synthesized using RSA-900. The EDX and FTIR spectra confirmed the significant peaks of Si and O for amorphous SiNPs, confirming their purity over crystalline SiNPs. FE-SEM and TEM micrographs indicated the spheroid morphology of the SiNPs with an average size of 27.47 nm (amorphous SiNPs) and 52.79 nm (crystalline SiNPs). Amorphous SiNPs possessed a high surface area of 226.11 m²/g over crystalline SiNPs (84.45 m²/g). The results obtained attest that the amorphous SiNPs possessed better attributes than crystalline SiNPs, omitting the need to incorporate high temperature. Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue using SiNPs reflected that 66.26% of the dye was degraded in the first 10 min. The degradation study showed first-order kinetics with a half-life of 6.79 min. The cost-effective and environmentally friendly process offers a sustainable route to meet the increasing demand for SiNPs in industrial sectors. The study proposes a sustainable solution to stubble burning, intending towards zero waste generation, bioeconomy, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely SDG 13(Climate Action), SDG 3(Good health and well-being), SDG 7(use of crop residues in industrial sectors) and SDG 8 (employment generation). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valorization of Residues from Energy Conversion of Biomass for Advanced and Sustainable Material Applications)

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13 pages, 2088 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics of Smoldering on Moist Rice Husk for Silica Production

by Shengtai Yan, Dezheng Yin, Fang He, Junmeng Cai, Thomas Schliermann and Frank Behrendt

Sustainability 2022, 14(1), 317; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14010317 - 29 Dec 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3116

Abstract

In order to assess the possibility of silica production via smoldering of moist rice husk, experiments of washed (moist) rice husk (7 kg with moisture content of 51%) in a newly designed smoldering apparatus was performed. The temperature inside the fuel bed during smoldering was recorded, and characteristics of ash were analyzed. Results showed that the highest temperature in the middle of the naturally piled fuel bed was about 560.0 °C, lower than those in most of combustors. Some volatiles from the lower part of the fuel bed adhere to its upper ash during piled smoldering. Silica content and specific surface area of ash from smoldering of washed (moist) rice husk were 86.4% and 84.9 m²/g, respectively. Compared to our experiments, they are close to smoldering of unwashed rice husk (89.0%, 67.7 m²/g); different from muffle furnace burning (600 °C, 2 h) of washed (93.4%, 164.9 m²/g) and un-washed (90.2%, 45.7 m²/g) rice husk. The specific surface area is higher than those from most industrial methods (from 11.4 to 39.3 m²/g). After some improvements, the smoldering process has great potential in mass product of high quality silica directly from moist rice husk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valorization of Residues from Energy Conversion of Biomass for Advanced and Sustainable Material Applications)

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14 pages, 1147 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biomethane from Manure, Agricultural Residues and Biowaste—GHG Mitigation Potential from Residue-Based Biomethane in the European Transport Sector

by Katja Oehmichen, Stefan Majer and Daniela Thrän

Sustainability 2021, 13(24), 14007; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132414007 - 18 Dec 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3343

Abstract

Biomethane from manure, agricultural residues, and biowaste has been prioritized by many energy strategies as a sustainable way to decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the transport sector. The technology is regarded as mature; however, its implementation is still at an early stage. At EU level, there are currently two major instruments relevant for promoting the production of biomethane from waste and residues and which are likely to contribute to unlocking unused GHG mitigation potentials: the Renewable Energy Directive 2018/2001 (RED II) and the European Emission Trading System (EU ETS). Our study analyzes the effects of these two instruments on the competitiveness of biomethane as an advanced transport fuel in relation to different policy scenarios within the RED II framework and under EU ETS conditions. Within the RED II market framework for advanced biofuels, biomethane concepts that use manure as a substrate or as a cosubstrate show significantly lower GHG mitigation costs compared to advanced biofuels. With respect to the current EU ETS conditions for bioenergy, it is helpful to consider the GHG reduction potential from the non-ETS agricultural sector as a way to unlock unused potential for reducing GHG emissions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valorization of Residues from Energy Conversion of Biomass for Advanced and Sustainable Material Applications)

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17 pages, 3726 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exhausted Grape Marc Derived Biochars: Effect of Pyrolysis Temperature on the Yield and Quality of Biochar for Soil Amendment

by Kawthar Frikha, Lionel Limousy, Muhammad Bilal Arif, Nicolas Thevenin, Lionel Ruidavets, Mohamed Zbair and Simona Bennici

Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11187; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011187 - 11 Oct 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2268

Abstract

The present study focuses on the valorisation of winery industry wastes through slow pyrolysis of exhausted grape marc (EGM). The optimal pyrolysis parameters were firstly identified by small scale experiments carried out using thermogravimetric analysis. Nine pyrolysis temperatures were tested and their influence on the decomposition of the EGM residue and biochar yield was evaluated. Then, biochar production was conducted in a pilot plant at three chosen temperatures (450, 500 and 550 °C) at which the biochar was shown to be stable. The effects of biochar application to soil with respect to plant (ryegrass) growth was also evaluated. Pyrolysis of EGM at the 450–550 °C temperature range has been shown to generate thermally stable and nutrient-rich biochars, but only the biochar produced at 450 °C showed a marked benefit effect of ryegrass growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valorization of Residues from Energy Conversion of Biomass for Advanced and Sustainable Material Applications)

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11 pages, 3244 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Two-Stage Continuous Process for the Extraction of Silica from Rice Husk Using Attrition Ball Milling and Alkaline Leaching Methods

by Ji Yeon Park, Yang Mo Gu, Seon Young Park, Ee Taek Hwang, Byoung-In Sang, Jinyoung Chun and Jin Hyung Lee

Sustainability 2021, 13(13), 7350; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13137350 - 30 Jun 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 5252

Abstract

A two-stage continuous process was developed for improved silica extraction from rice husk. The two-stage continuous process consists of attrition ball milling and alkaline leaching methods. To find the optimum conditions for the continuous process, the effects of alkaline leaching parameters, such as the alkaline solution type and reaction conditions, on the silica extraction yield were investigated in a batch process. The use of NaOH showed a slightly higher silica yield than KOH. The optimum reaction conditions were found to be 0.2 M, 80 °C, 3 h, and 6% (w/v) for the reaction concentration, temperature, duration time, and solid content, respectively. Attrition ball milling was used to make micron-sized rice husk particles and to improve the fluidity of the rice husk slurry. The two-stage continuous process was performed using optimum conditions as determined based on the results of the batch experiment. The two-stage continuous extraction was stably operated for 80 h with an 89% silica yield. During the operation, the solid content remained consistent at 6% (w/v). The obtained silica was characterized using inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP–OES), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valorization of Residues from Energy Conversion of Biomass for Advanced and Sustainable Material Applications)

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18 pages, 10216 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Wood Ashes from Grate-Fired Heat and Power Plants: Evaluation of Nutrient and Heavy Metal Contents

by Hans Bachmaier, Daniel Kuptz and Hans Hartmann

Sustainability 2021, 13(10), 5482; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13105482 - 13 May 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3251

Abstract

Ashes from biomass heat (and power) plants that apply untreated woody biofuels may be suitable for use as fertilizers if certain requirements regarding pollutant and nutrient contents are met. The aim of this study was to examine if both bottom and cyclone ashes from 17 Bavarian heating plants and one ash collection depot are suitable as fertilizers (n = 50). The range and average values of relevant nutrients and pollutants in the ashes were analyzed and evaluated for conformity with the German Fertilizer Ordinance (DüMV). Approximately 30% of the bottom ashes directly complied with the heavy metal limits of the Fertilizer Ordinance. The limits were exceeded for chromium(VI) (62%), cadmium (12%) and lead (4%). If chromium(VI) could be reduced by suitable treatment, 85% of the bottom ashes would comply with the required limit values. Cyclone ashes were high in cadmium, lead, and zinc. The analysis of the main nutrients showed high values for potassium and calcium in bottom ashes, but also relevant amounts of phosphorus, making them suitable as fertilizers if pollutant limits are met. Quality assurance systems should be applied at biomass heating plants to improve ash quality if wood ashes are used as fertilizers in agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valorization of Residues from Energy Conversion of Biomass for Advanced and Sustainable Material Applications)

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15 pages, 50204 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nitrogen Migration during Pyrolysis of Raw and Acid Leached Maize Straw

by Huan Li, Huawei Mou, Nan Zhao, Yaohong Yu, Quan Hong, Mperejekumana Philbert, Yuguang Zhou, Hossein Beidaghy Dizaji and Renjie Dong

Sustainability 2021, 13(7), 3786; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073786 - 29 Mar 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2537

Abstract

Solid biofuel is considered as a possible substitute for coal in household heat production because of the available and sustainable raw materials, while NO_x emissions from its combustion have become a serious problem. Nitrogen-containing compounds in pyrolysis products have important effects on the conversion of fuel-N into NO_x-N. Understanding these converting pathways is important for the environmentally friendly use of biomass fuels. The nitrogen migration during pyrolysis of raw and acid leached maize straw at various temperatures was investigated in this study. Thermal gravimetric analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to investigate the performances of thermal decomposition and pyrolysis products from samples. The main nitrogen functional groups in biomass and biochar products were N-A (amine-N/amide-N/protein-N), pyridine-N, and pyrrole-N, according to the findings. The most common gaseous NO_x precursor was NH₃, which was produced primarily during the conversion of N-A to pyridine-N and pyrrole-N. The formation of HCN mainly came from the secondary decomposition of heterocyclic-N at high temperatures. Before the pyrolysis temperature increased to 650 °C, more than half of the fuel-N was stored in the biochar. At the same pyrolysis temperature, acid-leached maize straw yielded more gas-N and char-N than the raw biomass. The highest char-N yield of 76.39 wt% was obtained from acid-leached maize straw (AMS) pyrolysis at 350 °C. Low pyrolysis temperature and acid-leaching treatment can help to decrease nitrogen release from stable char structure, providing support for reducing nitrogenous pollutant emissions from straw fuel. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valorization of Residues from Energy Conversion of Biomass for Advanced and Sustainable Material Applications)

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12 pages, 2778 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Ionic Liquid and Biomass Sources on Carbon Nanotube Physical and Electrochemical Properties

by Kudzai Mugadza, Annegret Stark, Patrick G. Ndungu and Vincent O. Nyamori

Sustainability 2021, 13(5), 2977; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13052977 - 9 Mar 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1856

Abstract

The ongoing research toward meeting global energy demands requires novel materials from abundant renewable resources. This work involves an investigation on nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (N-CNTs) synthesized from relatively low-cost and readily available biomass as carbon precursors and their use as electrodes for supercapacitors. The influence of the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, or its combination with either sugarcane bagasse or cellulose (IL-CNTs, ILBag-CNTs, and ILCel-CNTs, respectively), in the synthesis of N-CNTs and the resultant effect on their physical and electrochemical properties was studied. Systematic characterizations of the N-CNTs employing transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), elemental analysis, nitrogen sorption analysis, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were performed. TEM data analysis showed that the mean outer diameters decreased, in the order of IL-CNTs > ILBag-CNTs > ILCel-CNTs. The N-CNTs possess only pyridinic and pyrrolic nitrogen-doping moieties. The pyridinic nitrogen-doping content is lowest in IL-CNTs and highest in ILCel-CNTs. The N-CNTs are mesoporous with surface areas in the range of 21–52 m² g⁻¹. The ILCel-CNTs had the highest specific capacitance of 30 F g⁻¹, while IL-CNTs has the least, 10 F g⁻¹. The source of biomass is beneficial for tuning physicochemical properties such as the size and surface areas of N-CNTs, the pyridinic nitrogen-doping content, and ultimately capacitance, leading to materials with excellent properties for electrochemical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valorization of Residues from Energy Conversion of Biomass for Advanced and Sustainable Material Applications)

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18 pages, 4052 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Alkaline Fractionation and Subsequent Production of Nano-Structured Silica and Cellulose Nano-Fibrils for the Comprehensive Utilization of Rice Husk

by Hyun Jin Jung, Hyun Kwak, Jinyoung Chun and Kyeong Keun Oh

Sustainability 2021, 13(4), 1951; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13041951 - 11 Feb 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2015

Abstract

The parameters of the alkaline fractionation process were investigated and optimized using a statistical analysis method to simultaneously remove hemicellulose and ash from rice husk (RH) concomitantly. After the alkaline fractionation process, the residual solid contained high cellulose, and the recovery yield of hemicellulose was enhanced in the fractionated liquid hydrolyzate. The hemicellulosic sugar recovery yield (71.6%), de-ashing yield (>99%), and lignin removal (>80%) were obtained at the reaction conditions of 150 °C of temperature, 40 min of reaction time, and 6% (w/v) of NaOH concentration. Subsequently, nano-structured silica was synthesized using black liquor obtained as a by-product of this fractionation process. For the production of nano-structured silica, it was observed that the pH of a black liquor and the heat treatment temperature significantly influenced the textural properties of silica product. In addition, the two-stage bleaching of solid residue followed by colloid milling for the production of high value-added CNF with was attempted. As a result, in addition to 119 g of fermentable sugar, 143 g of high-purity (>98%) silica with a surface area of 328 m²g⁻¹ and 273.1 g of high-functional CNF with cellulose content of 80.1% were simultaneously obtained from 1000 g of RH. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valorization of Residues from Energy Conversion of Biomass for Advanced and Sustainable Material Applications)

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14 pages, 2787 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Production of Biogenic Silica from Different South African Agricultural Residues through a Thermo-Chemical Treatment Method

by Ncamisile Nondumiso Maseko, Denise Schneider, Susan Wassersleben, Dirk Enke, Samuel Ayodele Iwarere, Jonathan Pocock and Annegret Stark

Sustainability 2021, 13(2), 577; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020577 - 9 Jan 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2475

Abstract

A thermo-chemical treatment method was used to produce biogenic amorphous silica from South African sugarcane and maize residues. Different fractions of South African sugarcane (leaves, pith, and fiber) were processed for silica production. The biomass samples were leached with either 7 wt% citric acid or 7 wt% sulfuric acid at 353 K for 2 h prior to being rinsed, dried and combusted using a four-step program ranging from room temperature to 873 K in a furnace. The characterization of the pre-treated biomass samples was conducted using thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTA), X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) and elemental analysis (CHN), while the final products were characterized by XRF, X-ray diffraction (XRD), elemental analysis, nitrogen physisorption and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Citric acid pre-treatment proved to be an attractive alternative to mineral acids. Amorphous biogenic silica was produced from sugarcane leaves in good quality (0.1 wt% residual carbon and up to 99.3 wt% silica content). The produced biogenic silica also had great textural properties such as a surface area of up to 323 m² g⁻¹, average pore diameter of 5.0 nm, and a pore volume of 0.41 cm³ g⁻¹. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valorization of Residues from Energy Conversion of Biomass for Advanced and Sustainable Material Applications)

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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

19 pages, 10291 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Progress on the Development of Engineered Silica Particles Derived from Rice Husk

by Jinyoung Chun and Jin Hyung Lee

Sustainability 2020, 12(24), 10683; https://doi.org/10.3390/su122410683 - 21 Dec 2020

Cited by 53 | Viewed by 7189

Abstract

The development of engineered silica particles by using low-cost renewable or waste resources is a key example of sustainability. Rice husks have emerged as a renewable resource for the production of engineered silica particles as well as bioenergy. This review presents a state-of-the-art process for the development of engineered silica particles from rice husks via a bottom-up process. The first part of this review focuses on the extraction of Si from rice husks through combustion and chemical reactions. The second part details the technologies for synthesizing engineered silica particles using silicate obtained from rice husks. These include technologies for the precipitation of silica particles, the control of morphological properties, and the synthesis of ordered porous silica particles. Finally, several issues that need to be resolved before this process can be commercialized are addressed for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valorization of Residues from Energy Conversion of Biomass for Advanced and Sustainable Material Applications)

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