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Corn cob biomass residues: Synergies between thermochemical processes for biofuel production and adsorbent materials for the bioenergy sector

Author

Listed:
  • Ciurcina, E.
  • Paniagua, S.
  • Taboada-Ruiz, L.
  • Fuente, E.
  • Calvo, L.F.
  • Suárez-García, F.
  • Díaz-Somoano, M.
  • Ruiz, B.

Abstract

This research uses corn cob (CC), a renewable material, to make biofuels. The energy conversion was done by conventional and flash pyrolysis (750–850 °C), showing how the process affects the yield and properties of the biofuels. The CC stood out for their high carbon content (48.19 %) and low ash content (1.16 %). Flash pyrolysis increased the gaseous fraction (69.8 %) and the concentration of combustible gases (higher heating value (HHV) = 16.31 MJ/kg). Research has also been carried out on the production of activated carbons from CC char to separate gas mixtures, store gas or upgrade biogas. Higher temperatures and/or amounts of activator improved their textural properties (BET surface area and total pore volume up to 1982 m2/g and 0.820 cm3/g). These adsorbents are highly effective in CO2 adsorption, with a capacity of up to 15.3 mmol/g at 3 MPa for that obtained with KOH at 700 °C and 2:1 wt ratio. They are good at absorbing methane at 3 MPa with a maximum of 8.8 mmol/g when prepared with KOH at 800 °C and 2:1 wt ratio. Hydrogen adsorption was limited. The potential of CC for biofuel production through pyrolysis and the development of adsorbents applicable to the bioenergy sector have been proven.

Suggested Citation

  • Ciurcina, E. & Paniagua, S. & Taboada-Ruiz, L. & Fuente, E. & Calvo, L.F. & Suárez-García, F. & Díaz-Somoano, M. & Ruiz, B., 2025. "Corn cob biomass residues: Synergies between thermochemical processes for biofuel production and adsorbent materials for the bioenergy sector," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 244(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:244:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125003672
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.122705
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pérez, Alejandro & Ruiz, Begoña & Fuente, Enrique & Calvo, Luis Fernando & Paniagua, Sergio, 2021. "Pyrolysis technology for Cortaderia selloana invasive species. Prospects in the biomass energy sector," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 169(C), pages 178-190.
    2. Al Ibtida Sultana & Nepu Saha & M. Toufiq Reza, 2021. "Synopsis of Factors Affecting Hydrogen Storage in Biomass-Derived Activated Carbons," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-18, February.
    3. Saadi, W. & Rodríguez-Sánchez, S. & Ruiz, B. & Souissi-Najar, S. & Ouederni, A. & Fuente, E., 2019. "Pyrolysis technologies for pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel wastes. Prospects in the bioenergy sector," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 136(C), pages 373-382.
    4. Li, Jinglin & Lin, Li & Ju, Tongyao & Meng, Fanzhi & Han, Siyu & Chen, Kailun & Jiang, Jianguo, 2024. "Microwave-assisted pyrolysis of solid waste for production of high-value liquid oil, syngas, and carbon solids: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 189(PA).
    5. Dina Aboelela & Habibatallah Saleh & Attia M. Attia & Yasser Elhenawy & Thokozani Majozi & Mohamed Bassyouni, 2023. "Recent Advances in Biomass Pyrolysis Processes for Bioenergy Production: Optimization of Operating Conditions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-30, July.
    6. Felipe A. F. Antunes & Jade B. F. Freitas & Carina A. Prado & Maria J. Castro-Alonso & Erick Diaz-Ruiz & Alain E. Mera & Júlio C. Santos & Silvio S. da Silva, 2023. "Valorization of Corn Cobs for Xylitol and Bioethanol Production through Column Reactor Process," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-15, June.
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    1. Mohammad Mehdizadeh & Anahita Omidi & Rumbidzai Matindike & Zegeyesh Getachew Nigussie & Theophilus M. Ikegwu & Helen O. Agu & Patrick Onen & Ivan Gumula & Shahira M. Ezzat & Rana M. Merghany, 2025. "Agri-Waste Valorization: Pathways to Sustainable Bioenergy and Biochemical Innovation," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 5(6), pages 5247-5277, November.

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