Suitability of Biochar Produced from Banana Peels As a Source of Bioenergy

Extensive studies have been carried out to produce useful product by converting biomass waste. One of the products that can be derived from biomass is biochar, also considered as solid biofuel. Biochar obtained from biomass can be considered as an alternative source of renewable energy. If properly harnessed, renewable energy from biomass can supply to the global energy demand. Pyrolysis is one of the thermal conversion methods that converts biomass to biochar without the presence of oxygen. In this work, biochar were produced from banana peels. Experimental work was conducted using an electric tubular furnace and a Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA). The effect of temperature was investigated together with heating rate and residence time. Results show that the biochar which has the highest energy content considering char yield and heating value was obtained at 325 °C. The char yield was 47 %wt and its gross heating value of 25.9 MJ kg^-1. The residence time was 30 minutes. The heating rate within the range investigated had very little effect on the char yield and heating value. The results highlighted the effect of pyrolysis parameters on the yield and heating value of banana peels biochar, which could be advantageous to be utilised as alternative solid biofuel.