Development of an integrated and continuous slow pyrolysis and activation process for the production of activated carbon from waste biomass

The possibility of integrating a slow pyrolysis process with activation of the char produced is investigated using an auger reactor. Production of activated carbon is usually done in a two-step process, by first carbonizing a carbon source (coal, coconut shell, other biomasses, etc.) and then subjecting the solid product, char, to an activation process. With this work, by simultaneously producing and activating the char, the cost of production of activated carbon could be decreased, and further positive points are the fact that the process is continuous and that the feedstock would be a biomass-based waste, wheat straw pellets. Activation will be carried out in two separate ways: chemical activation using KOH, and physical activation with a steam atmosphere. The properties of the solid products produced will be compared with the properties from the chars activated with the conventional two-step process, as well as from non-activated char. The properties to focus on are the product’s surface area, pore size distribution and presence of chemical functionalities, which are key factors for the application of activated carbon in adsorption.