A study of morphology and bonding analysis of Torrefied Biochar from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch(OPEFB)

Considering the global energy crisis that affect the worldwide consumers on the insufficiency of fossil fuel and specific interest to invent alternative renewable energy sources. This study was conducted to identify the potential of torrefied OPEFB biochar as a renewable energy sources by underwent torrefaction process based on particle size, holding temperature and residence time. The process have been carried out within holding temperature varied from 200 to 300°C in the absence of oxygen under low heating rate by using furnace in 30 to 90 minutes of their residence time, respectively. In brief, this study focused on the optimization by using the response surface method (RSM),Box-Benhken Model and the analysis of morphology as well as the bonding behavior of the torrefied OPEFB biochar due to its properties and functional groups in order to enhance the potential of the OPEFB as renewable energy sources by the aids of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transformation Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). SEM images showed the surface morphology of OPEFB after undergo torrefaction by which it was completely decomposed by initiating pores while the structure become flattened with almost left sharp edge compared to the raw EFB. The changes of presence functional groups before and after the torrefaction process were observed under certain wavelength which were C=O (1750-1680 cm-1), N-H (3500-3100 cm-1) and C-N (1350-1000 cm-1). These functional groups determined the changes of functional groups as well as the wavelength whereby the degradation of hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin take place.