Bioenergy is predicted
to significantly contribute to the global
energy needs of both developed and developing economies. Co-pyrolysis
of halophytes offers a solution for a sustainable supply of feedstock
in coastal and water-scarce regions. This novel research introduces
an experimental investigation of co-pyrolysis of saline-tolerant flora
(date palm waste and Salicornia bigelovii) to address sustainable waste management, bioenergy production,
and efficient resource utilization in xeric regions. To examine the
impact of the thermic condition on the pyrolysis products (bio-oil,
biochar, and gas), the experiments have been conducted at three different
temperatures (400, 500, and 600 °C). This pioneering study revealed
that the co-feed bio-oil is acidic (pH 3.76–4.39) and has a
high energy content (HHV 32.29–36.29 MJ/kg) that surpasses
most woody biomass. The produced biochar was chemically stable, high
in ash (40.09–47.62 wt %), high in fixed carbon (30.12–38.12
wt %), highly alkaline (pH 9.37–10.69), and low in HHV (16.30–17.2
MJ/kg). Increased pyrolysis temperature enhances biochar stability
and fixed carbon, thus benefiting long-term carbon sequestration if
applied in the soil. However, due to its high alkalinity, the application
of this biochar in naturally alkaline sandy soils, such as in coastal
deserts, requires careful monitoring. The hydrogen content in the
gaseous phase significantly improves with rising temperature, reaching
HHV = 24.12 MJ/kg at 600 °C, due to the enhanced ash catalytic
effect. Overall, this study constitutes an important contribution
to advancing bioenergy, sustainable feedstock, carbon capture, and
waste management strategies in drought-prone areas.