| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
Materials Science & Technology 2020
|
| Symposium
|
Processing and Performance of Materials Using Microwaves, Electric and Magnetic Fields, Ultrasound, Lasers, and Mechanical Work – Rustum Roy Symposium
|
| Presentation Title |
Microwave-assisted Hydrothermal Carbonization of Switchgrass and Low Rank Coals for Solid Fuel Production |
| Author(s) |
Pranjali Muley, Christina Wildfire, Dushyant Shekhawat |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Pranjali Muley |
| Abstract Scope |
Hydrothermal carbonization is a thermochemical process used to convert biomass to carbon materials and solid fuels. Switchgrass biomass and low rank coals (lignite) were treated by co-hydrothermal carbonization to produce hydrochars using advanced microwave heating. We studied one coal to biomass ratios (50% biomass loading) at three different processing temperatures (220, 240, 250°C) and reaction times (20, 30 and 40 min) in tap water as solvent in a batch microwave reactor. The resulting liquid and solid products were analyzed for yields and quality. Co-HTC results in high carbon containing hydrochar. Mass hydrochar yields decrease with increasing temperature but carbon content of char increases as temperature and processing times increase. Addition of coal has a synergistic effect during co-HTC, enhancing the rate of carbonization. Microwave heating reduced the processing times compared to conventional heating and promotes high-value hydrochar production. |