Thermal Performance Analysis of Ionic Liquid‐Pretreated Spent Coffee Ground Using Aspen Plus®

Abstract

Thermal analysis and gasification study of spent coffee ground (SCG) pretreated with ionic liquids (ILs) is presented. Four ILs, namely, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim][Cl]), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Emim][Cl]), tributylmethylammonium chloride ([N 1444 ][Cl]), and trihexyltetradecylphosphonium chloride ([P 66614 ][Cl]), were investigated. The pretreatment was followed by thermogravimetric analysis. The syngas composition was computed using an equilibrium-based steam-O 2 gasification model developed in Aspen Plus by varying gasifier temperature and steam/biomass ratio. All ILs reduced the ash content, enhanced the volatility as well as the higher heating value of SCG. IL pretreatment also decreased CO 2 and CH 4 contents showing environmental benefits of using ILs.