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Achieving carbon credits through biomass torrefaction and hydrothermal carbonization: A review

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  • Chen, Wei-Hsin
  • Biswas, Partha Pratim
  • Zhang, Congyu
  • Kwon, Eilhann E.
  • Chang, Jo-Shu

Abstract

Different additives can capture carbon dioxide (CO2) during biomass torrefaction. Biochar and hydrochar can potentially sequester CO2. A comparative review of CO2 sequestration via biochar and hydrochar and its relationship with carbon credits is inadequate. This research aims to explore CO2 sequestration during biomass torrefaction and hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) with additives (magnesium hydroxide: Mg(OH)2, and calcium oxide: CaO), conduct a comparative analysis of CO2 sequestration by biochar and hydrochar, analyze the energy increment in both, and determine the prospects of carbon credit and carbon rights related to these processes. During torrefaction, Mg(OH)2 captures up to 62 % of CO2, while no additives are needed in hydrochar production since CO2 is not released. CO2 absorption by biochar and hydrochar ranges from 0.03 to 3.5 mmol g−1. Torrefied biochar exhibits varying carbon contents between 50 and 70 wt%, while the ranges in hydrochar are 48–70 wt%, resembling lignite. The higher heating values (HHV) of biochar, hydrochar, and lignite are also comparable, nearly 25 MJ kg−1. Biochar-based electricity production's global warming potential (GWP) is lower than coal-based production, while hydrochar-based production has a higher GWP. Hydrochar production is less efficient due to its drying and activation methods. Biomass torrefaction and HTC can earn carbon credits by reducing emissions and are tied to carbon rights through enhanced carbon sequestration on biomass-producing land. Future research directions in carbon credits and carbon rights for torrefied biochar and HTC-derived hydrochar can focus on optimizing production processes, refining conversion technologies, and maximizing carbon sequestration.

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  • Chen, Wei-Hsin & Biswas, Partha Pratim & Zhang, Congyu & Kwon, Eilhann E. & Chang, Jo-Shu, 2025. "Achieving carbon credits through biomass torrefaction and hydrothermal carbonization: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 208(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:208:y:2025:i:c:s1364032124007822
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2024.115056
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