Producción y caracterización fisicoquímica y textural de biocarbones: Influencia del tipo de horno de pirólisis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22458/urj.v18i1.6173Keywords:
proximal analysis, adsorption, BET, “Kon Tiki” kiln, Costa RicaAbstract
ABSTRACT. “Production and physicochemical and textural characterization of biochars: Influence of the type of pyrolysis system” Introduction: Biochar is a carbon-based material with strong potential to enhance soil fertility and contribute to agricultural sustainability. Its physicochemical properties depend on both the biomass used and the production conditions. In Costa Rica, crops such as coffee and oil palm generate large volumes of lignocellulosic residues with limited re-use options, representing an opportunity for conversion into biochar. Objective: To evaluate the effect of the pyrolysis system (field kiln and laboratory oven) on the production of biochar from cypress wood (Cupressus sp.), oil palm fruit bunch stalks (Elaeis guineensis), and bamboo (Guadua angustifolia), and its influence on their physical and chemical properties. Methods: Biochars were produced using an open-field "Kon Tiki" kiln and a laboratory-scale muffle furnace under controlled conditions. We characterized the materials using proximate analysis, ash content, pH, and electrical conductivity. Adsorption capacity was assessed using methylene blue and iodine number tests, while surface area and total porosity were estimated by the BET method. Results: We observed significant differences between biochars depending on biomass and kiln type. Field-produced biochars showed higher pH, electrical conductivity, and ash content, which correlated with greater cation exchange capacity but lower structural homogeneity. In contrast, laboratory biochars exhibited higher fixed carbon content, lower volatile-compound fraction, and superior textural development, reflected in larger surface areas and total porosities. The iodine number consistently exceeded methylene blue adsorption, confirming the predominance of the microporous fraction. Conclusions: Both biomass and kiln type strongly influence biochar properties. The methodological adjustments applied to the adsorption analysis improved measurement precision and analytical efficiency, making it suitable for large-sample studies under conventional laboratory conditions.
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