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Microwave pyrolysis of rapeseed straw for low sulfur content and high heating value (HHV) solid fuel production: transformation mechanism and form of sulfur in biochar during the pyrolysis process

Author

Listed:
  • Li, Manqing
  • Li, Ying
  • Lu, Chunyang
  • Wei, Taida
  • Ahmed, Masood
  • Qiu, Dejin
  • Xiong, Yuandong
  • Ren, Jie
  • Yu, Yaowei

Abstract

Clarifying the transformation behavior of sulfur in biomass pyrolysis is essential for achieving biochar resource utilization. Renewable biochar can replace traditional fossil fuels and be applied in industry to achieve sustainable development. This study employed microwave pyrolysis to prepare a low sulfur and high heating value (HHV) rapeseed straw biochar. 84.6 % of sulfur in the biochar was removed, and its HHV as high as 27.33 Mj/kg, which is similar to anthracite. The effects of pyrolysis temperature and residence time on sulfur's transformation mechanism and form were investigated. Results showed that 61 % of sulfur was evaporated into the gas, 23.6 % was transferred to the bio-oil, and 15.4 % of sulfur was retained in the biochar in organic and inorganic forms at 550 °C. The inorganic sulfur in biochar will combine with K and Na to form K3Na(SO4)2 sulfate. During microwave pyrolysis, most organic sulfur reaction with H, O, and C atoms in the biochar to form sulfur-containing gas (H2S, SO2, COS, C2H6S2, C2H6S, and CH3SH). These results highlight the potential of microwave treatment as an efficient method for purifying rapeseed straw into a low sulfur, high heating value, and environmentally friendly solid energy.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Manqing & Li, Ying & Lu, Chunyang & Wei, Taida & Ahmed, Masood & Qiu, Dejin & Xiong, Yuandong & Ren, Jie & Yu, Yaowei, 2025. "Microwave pyrolysis of rapeseed straw for low sulfur content and high heating value (HHV) solid fuel production: transformation mechanism and form of sulfur in biochar during the pyrolysis process," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 326(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:326:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225020237
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.136381
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    1. Chen, Zongqi & Gong, Feng & Song, Jiaming & Zhang, Kai, 2025. "Interpretable prediction of biomass-derived biochar characteristics: combining machine learning with shapley additive explanation," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 335(C).

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