article · ACS Omega
A detailed laboratory assessment evaluated six biomass types of Nigerian origin to assess their suitability for bio-oil and bioenergy generation. The examined materials included groundnut shells, corncob, cashew leaves, flame of the woods, sawdust, and lemongrass. Standard analytical techniques were applied to determine their thermal stability, chemical composition, energy density, and combustion characteristics. Groundnut shells, cashew leaves, and lemongrass demonstrated high energy potential, with calorific values exceeding 20 megajoules per kilogram. Sawdust also showed advantageous properties for bio-oil processing, displaying high volatile matter, high fixed carbon, and low levels of ash and moisture. Furthermore, all tested samples exhibited favourable flammability and ignition indices alongside remarkably low nitrogen and sulphur levels. These chemical profiles suggest that converting these feedstocks would generate minimal nitrogen and sulphur oxide emissions, offering clean alternatives for energy production.
Identifying local, low-emission sources of bioenergy helps diversify energy supplies away from fossil fuels. Because these agricultural and botanical residues contain minimal sulphur and nitrogen, their conversion into bio-oil can generate clean power while reducing harmful air pollutants. Understanding their specific heating and combustion properties provides essential technical data needed to select effective, regional feedstocks for cleaner fuel production.
This early-stage laboratory characterisation provides foundational data for bio-oil producers and energy developers seeking viable feedstocks in Nigeria. The findings pinpoint groundnut shells, cashew leaves, lemongrass, and sawdust as high-performing candidates for thermochemical conversion. However, because the study focused strictly on chemical and thermal testing, substantial engineering development, pilot-scale conversion trials, and supply-chain evaluations remain necessary before these materials can be deployed in commercial bio-oil operations.
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High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide There is a lack of information about the detailed characterization of biomass of Nigerian origin. This study presents a comprehensive characterization of six biomass, groundnut shells, corncob, cashew leaves, Ixora coccinea (flame of the woods), sawdust, and lemongrass, to aid appropriate selection for bio-oil production. The proximate, ultimate, calorific value and compositional analyses were carried out following the American Standard for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray fluorescence were employed in this study for functional group analyses, thermal stability, and structural analyses. The H/C and O/C atomic ratios, fuel ratio, ignitability index, and combustibility index of the biomass samples were evaluated. Groundnut shells, cashew leaves, and lemongrass were identified as promising feedstocks for bio-oil production based on their calorific values (>20 MJ/kg). Sawdust exhibited favorable characteristics for bio-oil production as indicated by its higher volatile matter (79.28%), low ash content (1.53%), low moisture content (6.18%), and high fixed carbon content (13.01%). Also, all samples showed favorable ignition and flammability properties. The low nitrogen (<0.12%) and sulfur (<0.04%) contents in the samples make them environmentally benign fuels as a lower percentage of NO x and SO x will be released during the production of the bio-oil. These results are contributions to the advancement of a sustainable and efficient carbon-neutral energy mix, promoting biomass resource utilization for the generation of energy.
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DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c05656
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