Conversion of lignocellulose from palm (Elaeis guineensis) fruit fibre and physic (Jatropha curcas) nut shell into bio-oil

Abstract

Harmful gases are released into the atmosphere through burning of residues which is commonly practiced in Nigeria and can be attributed to climate change issues. Agricultural residues have the potentials to be used as energy and chemical source and meet its deficit in the country. This paper focuses on utilization of lignocellulosic materials obtained from two agricultural residues through renewable technology to produce bio-energy and chemical feedstock. The lignocellulosic materials were extracted from palm fruit (Elaeis guineensis) fibre and physic nut (Jatropha curcas) shell, and pyrolyzed under low temperature and pressure at various particle sizes. The main properties of solid (lignocellulosic) materials were tested and the bio-oil produced was analyzed using GC-MS. Results show proximate analyses (volatile, ash and fixed carbon contents) and ultimate analysis (carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc). The pH value of the bio-oil from both residues increased with increase in temperatures. The density, viscosity and calorific value of the palm and physic residue oil are 831.99 and 947.5 kg/m 3 , 0.695 and 1.58 cPa at room temperature, 22.33 and 14.169 kJ/g, respectively. Aromatics and other compounds are major dominant compounds in the palm fruit fibre oil which is characterized for bio-fuel production. Physic nut shell oil contains aromatic ethers, cyclic ethers, secondary amides and organic halogen compound which are important chemical feedstock. Conversion of these residues to useful products will alleviate the energy supply deficit, improve social and economic development, promote clean and healthy atmosphere of the nation and significantly contribute to global climate change mitigation.

An Assessment of Potential Resources for Biomass Energy in Nigeria

“…Garba et al [275] and Akanni et al [276] also carried out torrefaction studies on rice straw and woody biomass (Melina and Teak wood), respectively, varying both temperatures and residence times. Farrow et al [277] investigated the characteristics of char produced from cassava peelings whilst Onifade et al [278] characterized bio-oil produced from palm fruit fiber and physic nut shell. Okekunle et al [279] assessed the pyrolysis products from different wood sources (Gmelina arborea, Anogeissus leiocarpa, Parkia biglobosa, and Adansonia kilima).…”

Bio-Fuel Properties and Elemental Analysis of Bio-Oil Produced from Pyrolysis of Gmelina Arborea

“…The pyrolysis method has been used for commercial production of a wide range of fuels, solvents, chemicals and other products from biomass feedstocks [5]. For instance, materials such as tropical woody biomass [6], palm fruit fibre [7]; others like, rice husk [8], groundnut shell [9] and many more are also used as energy sources via pyrolysis.…”

Changes in physico-mechanical properties of water caltrop fruit (Trapa natans L.) during the drying process

“…Palm fruit fibres and sawdust are used as building materials (Sosu et al 2011). Palm fibres are also used in water filtration filters (Idris et al 2017), for the production of bio-oil (Onifade et al 2017), frictional material (Achebe et al 2019), and in biomedicine (Namvar et al 2014). Up to now are no reports regarding the mechanical properties of Trapa natans nuts.…”