Coconut shell and husk biochar: A review of production and activation technology, economic, financial aspect and application

Abstract

The coconut industry generates a relatively large amount of coconut shell and husk biomass, which can be utilized for industrial and environmental purposes. Immense potential for added value when coconut shell and husk biomass are turned into biochar and limited studies are available, making this review paper significant. This paper specifically presents the production and activation technology, economic and financial aspect and application of biochar from coconut shell and husk biomass. Pyrolysis, gasification and self-sustained carbonization are among the production technology discussed to convert this biomass into carbon-rich materials with distinctive characteristics. The surface characteristics of coconut-based biochar, that is, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area ( SBET), pore volume ( Vp), pore diameter ( dp) and surface functional group can be enhanced by physical and chemical activation and metal impregnation. Due to their favourable characteristics, coconut shell and husk-activated biochar exhibit their potential as valuable adsorption materials for industrial and environmental application including biodiesel production, capacitive deionization, soil amendment, water treatment and carbon sequestration. With the knowledge of the potential, the coconut industry can contribute to both the local and global biocircular economy by producing coconut shell and husk biochar for economic development and environmental remediation. The capital and operating cost for production and activation processes must be taken into account to ensure bioeconomy sustainability, hence coconut shell and husk biomass have a great potential for income generation.

Palladium/coconut husk biochar composite material as an effective electrocatalyst for ethanol oxidation reaction

“…The coconut husk biochar was pyrolysed at 800 °C while the coconut shell biochar was pyrolysed at 900 °C and was subjected to further treatment. Acid treatment improves the surface properties of the biochar [20]. Both Pd/ BC and Pd/CS catalysts though were synthesised using sodium borohydride as a reducing agent.…”

“…Coconut husk pyrolysed at 400 °C-1000 °C exhibited increasing fixed carbon and ash content, pH, BET surface area, degree of aromaticity, and porosity as the pyrolysis temperature increased [18,19]. Generally, the optimum temperature for pyrolysis is 500 °C-800 °C [20]. Since a temperature range of 800 °C-1200 °C showed that it was prone to breakage.…”

“…Since a temperature range of 800 °C-1200 °C showed that it was prone to breakage. In related studies, the coconut shell and coconut husk use 300 °C-800 °C and 400 °C-800 °C, respectively [20]. At 800 °C, biochar undergoes a thermal change that causes the particle surface to shrink and split [19].…”

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Provides Insights into the Effect of Epicuticular Wax Accumulation on Salt Stress in Coconuts

“…It is well known as “the tree of life” due to its numerous uses for economic purposes [ 2 ]. Every part of the coconut palm carries value, including its nutritious water [ 3 ], mesocap as fiber, trunk as building materials, endocarp as charcoal [ 4 ], and endosperm for oil [ 5 ]. Coconuts are also used in medicine [ 6 ], manufacturing [ 7 ], and biofuel production [ 8 ].…”

Effectiveness of Soil-amended Biochar in Improving Crop Production, Soil Health and Environmental Aspects

“…Methane emissions from soil is attributed majorly to microbial activities in soil. Global methane fluxes are net positive as rice cultivation is a much larger source of CH4 than the sink contribution of upland soils"[30][31]. Biochar has more porous structure and high surface area which allows for adsorption of methane molecules and it also provides space for methane oxidizing microbes.…”