Abstract
The BioCarbonValue project aimed to produce high-value biocarbons from agricultural feedstocks, focusing on sustainable alternatives to fossil-based carbons. The project involved industry partners and two research institutions, emphasizing the use of agricultural sidestreams for energy storage, water purification, and biocomposites.
Key objectives included evaluating quality of agricultural residues, developing biocarbon products, and conducting techno-economic assessment and biocarbon market review. The project employed a multi-faceted approach, selecting promising feedstocks such as wheat straw, reed canary grass, oat husks, wheat straw lignin, and willow, and using slow pyrolysis and activation methods to produce variety of bio- and activated carbons. Digital solutions for efficient biomass supply chain management were also explored.
Key findings revealed that higher pyrolysis temperatures generally resulted in lower yields but improved the carbon content and thermal stability of the biocarbons produced. The importance of feedstock quality was highlighted, as variations in ash content significantly impacted the properties of the resulting biocarbons. The non-condensable pyrolysis gases were analyzed at different carbonization temperatures, providing valuable information for their possible utilization. Up-scaling experiments demonstrated the feasibility of agricultural sidestreams for high-volume biocarbon production.
The project investigated high-value applications for agro-based biocarbons, focusing on energy storage, water purification, and biocomposites. Chemically activated carbons from wheat straw lignin performed well in supercapacitors and wastewater treatment using steam-activated biocarbons provided promising results. High-temperature biocarbons were found a viable option as a replacement for fossil based, non-renewable materials in composites.
A techno-economic assessment highlighted the potential for biochar production in Finland, emphasizing supply chain costs, production optimization, and market opportunities. The project also examined the biocarbon market, noting significant interest in expanding the Nordic biochar market and the growing activated carbon market.
The BioCarbonValue project demonstrated the potential of agricultural biomass for high-value biocarbon production, with promising applications and market opportunities. Further research is recommended to optimize production processes, ensure feedstock consistency, and develop the agro-based biocarbon market.
Key objectives included evaluating quality of agricultural residues, developing biocarbon products, and conducting techno-economic assessment and biocarbon market review. The project employed a multi-faceted approach, selecting promising feedstocks such as wheat straw, reed canary grass, oat husks, wheat straw lignin, and willow, and using slow pyrolysis and activation methods to produce variety of bio- and activated carbons. Digital solutions for efficient biomass supply chain management were also explored.
Key findings revealed that higher pyrolysis temperatures generally resulted in lower yields but improved the carbon content and thermal stability of the biocarbons produced. The importance of feedstock quality was highlighted, as variations in ash content significantly impacted the properties of the resulting biocarbons. The non-condensable pyrolysis gases were analyzed at different carbonization temperatures, providing valuable information for their possible utilization. Up-scaling experiments demonstrated the feasibility of agricultural sidestreams for high-volume biocarbon production.
The project investigated high-value applications for agro-based biocarbons, focusing on energy storage, water purification, and biocomposites. Chemically activated carbons from wheat straw lignin performed well in supercapacitors and wastewater treatment using steam-activated biocarbons provided promising results. High-temperature biocarbons were found a viable option as a replacement for fossil based, non-renewable materials in composites.
A techno-economic assessment highlighted the potential for biochar production in Finland, emphasizing supply chain costs, production optimization, and market opportunities. The project also examined the biocarbon market, noting significant interest in expanding the Nordic biochar market and the growing activated carbon market.
The BioCarbonValue project demonstrated the potential of agricultural biomass for high-value biocarbon production, with promising applications and market opportunities. Further research is recommended to optimize production processes, ensure feedstock consistency, and develop the agro-based biocarbon market.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publisher | VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland |
| Number of pages | 56 |
| Publication status | Published - 30 Apr 2025 |
| MoE publication type | D4 Published development or research report or study |
Publication series
| Series | VTT Research Report |
|---|---|
| Number | VTT-R-00161-25 |