A Comparative Study on Carbonization Processes of Agricultural Wastes and Forest Residues for Supercapacitor Application: A Case Study

Author : Priola, Faith Erica M.
Major Adviser : Jara, Aileen A.
Major Co-Adviser : Manalo, Ronniel D.
Committee Members : Gatdula, Kristel M.; Detras, Monet Concepcion M.
Year : 2021
Month : August
Type : Thesis
Degree: BS
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Abstract

This study compares various carbonization processes of agricultural wastes and forest residues to produce activated carbon (AC) as electrode material for supercapacitors. The two most common types of carbonization are pyrolysis, which is the heating of biomass at high temperatures, and hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) which is heat treatment in the presence of water at lower temperatures. The methods compared were HTC without activation (HTCB), HTC with activation (HTCA), pyrolysis without activation (PyroB), pyrolysis with activation (PyroA), and pyrolysis with self-activation (PyroS). Comparisons were based on the following properties of AC: specific surface area (SSA), pore size, pore volume, and specific capacitance. It was found that PyroB produces a more favorable pore size and pore volume than HTCB. Values of SSA and specific capacitance among HTCA, PyroA, and PyroS were similar with each other. In this study, the range of SSA and specific capacitance for ACs derived from biomass are 527 m²/g – 3061 m²/g and 110.2 F/g – 512 F/g, respectively. It is recommended to increase the number of data on properties for better comparison. Using the student estimate method, cost estimate and analysis was done on AC production from rice husk through PyroA. Total capital investment, total product cost, and return on investment were PhP 30.6 M, PhP 27.6 M, and 21.91 %, respectively, for a production rate of 1 t/d. Therefore, the production plant is profitable. A more accurate cost estimation can be generated from a comprehensive list of equipment and a detailed material and energy balance.


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