Lignin-impregnated biochar assisted with microwave irradiation for CO₂ capture: adsorption performance and mechanism

Abstract

Bamboo biochar was modified by lignin impregnation and microwave irradiation to enhance its performance for CO₂ capture. The pore structure of lignin-impregnated biochar was significantly affected by the impregnation ratio. The maximum specific surface area of 377.32 m² g⁻¹ and micropore volume of 0.163 cm³ g⁻¹ were observed on the biochar with an impregnation ratio of 1:20 (mass ratio of lignin to biochar). Lignin impregnation increased the CO₂ adsorption capacity of biochar up to 134.46 mg g⁻¹. Correlation analysis confirmed the crucial role of biochar’s pore structure in adsorption. The Avrami model fitted the CO₂ capture curves well. The calculation of adsorption activation energy suggested that the adsorption process was dominated by physical mechanism assisted with partial chemical mechanism. Meanwhile, Langmuir isotherm analysis indicated that lignin impregnation transformed the larger pores of biochar into more uniform micropores, thereby making the adsorption process closer to monolayer adsorption. Both the high reusability (89.79–99.06%) after 10 successive cycles and the excellent CO₂ selectivity in competitive adsorption confirmed that lignin-impregnated biochar is an outstanding adsorbent for CO₂ capture.

Highlights

•	Microwave energy absorbed by biochar carbonized the impregnated lignin to increase micropore structure.
•	CO2 uptake on lignin-impregnated biochar reached 134.46 mg g−1 and was associated with micropore, alkalinity, and temperature.
•	CO2 adsorption on lignin-impregnated biochar was governed by physisorption with slight chemisorption.
•	Lignin-impregnated biochar demonstrated excellent reusability and selectivity in CO2 capture.

Keywords

Biochar / Lignin impregnation / Microwave irradiation / CO₂ capture

References

[1] Atinafu DG, Yeol Yun B, Uk Kim Y, Wi S, Kim S. Introduction of eicosane into biochar derived from softwood and wheat straw: Influence of porous structure and surface chemistry. Chem Eng J, 2021, 415,

[2] Baghery R, Riahi S, Abbasi M, Mohammadi-Khanaposhtani M. Investigation of the CO₂ absorption in pure water and MDEA aqueous solution including amine functionalized multi-wall carbon nano tubes. J Mol Liq, 2019, 293,

[3] Cao L, Zhang X, Xu Y, Xiang W, Wang R, Ding F, Hong P, Gao B. Straw and wood based biochar for CO₂ capture: adsorption performance and governing mechanisms. Sep Purif Technol, 2022, 287,

[4] Cao W, Xu H, Zhang X, Xiang W, Qi G, Wan L, Gao B. Novel post-treatment of ultrasound assisting with acid washing enhance lignin-based biochar for CO₂ capture: adsorption performance and mechanism. Chem Eng J, 2023, 471,

[5] Chang C-W, Kao Y-H, Shen P-H, Kang P-C, Wang C-Y. Nanoconfinement of metal oxide MgO and ZnO in zeolitic imidazolate framework ZIF-8 for CO₂ adsorption and regeneration. J Hazard Mater, 2020, 400,

[6] Chio C, Sain M, Qin W. Lignin utilization: a review of lignin depolymerization from various aspects. Renew Sustain Energy Rev, 2019, 107: 232-249,

[7] Cho D-W, Kwon G, Yoon K, Tsang YF, Ok YS, Kwon EE, Song H. Simultaneous production of syngas and magnetic biochar via pyrolysis of paper mill sludge using CO₂ as reaction medium. Energy Convers Manage, 2017, 145: 1-9,

[8] Chu G, Zhao J, Chen F, Dong X, Zhou D, Liang N, Wu M, Pan B, Steinberg CEW. Physi-chemical and sorption properties of biochars prepared from peanut shell using thermal pyrolysis and microwave irradiation. Environ Pollut, 2017, 227: 372-379,

[9] Creamer AE, Gao B, Zhang M. Carbon dioxide capture using biochar produced from sugarcane bagasse and hickory wood. Chem Eng J, 2014, 249: 174-179,

[10] Dai Q, Liu Q, Zhang X, Cao L, Hu B, Shao J, Ding F, Guo X, Gao B. Synergetic effect of co-pyrolysis of sewage sludge and lignin on biochar production and adsorption of methylene blue. Fuel, 2022, 324,

[11] Devi P, Saroha AK. Effect of pyrolysis temperature on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons toxicity and sorption behaviour of biochars prepared by pyrolysis of paper mill effluent treatment plant sludge. Biores Technol, 2015, 192: 312-320,

[12] Devi P, Saroha AK. Simultaneous adsorption and dechlorination of pentachlorophenol from effluent by Ni–ZVI magnetic biochar composites synthesized from paper mill sludge. Chem Eng J, 2015, 271: 195-203,

[13] Ding S, Liu Y. Adsorption of CO₂ from flue gas by novel seaweed-based KOH-activated porous biochars. Fuel, 2020, 260,

[14] Dissanayake PD, Choi SW, Igalavithana AD, Yang X, Tsang DCW, Wang C-H, Kua HW, Lee KB, Ok YS. Sustainable gasification biochar as a high efficiency adsorbent for CO₂ capture: a facile method to designer biochar fabrication. Renew Sustain Energy Rev, 2020, 124,

[15] Foong SY, Liew RK, Yang Y, Cheng YW, Yek PNY, Wan Mahari WA, Lee XY, Han CS, Vo D-VN, Van Le Q, Aghbashlo M, Tabatabaei M, Sonne C, Peng W, Lam SS. Valorization of biomass waste to engineered activated biochar by microwave pyrolysis: progress, challenges, and future directions. Chem Eng J, 2020, 389,

[16] Ghanbarpour Mamaghani Z, Hawboldt KA, MacQuarrie S. Adsorption of CO₂ using biochar—review of the impact of gas mixtures and water on adsorption. J Environ Chem Eng, 2023, 11(3),

[17] Goel C, Mohan S, Dinesha P. CO₂ capture by adsorption on biomass-derived activated char: a review. Sci Total Environ, 2021, 798,

[18] Gong H, Tan Z, Zhang L, Huang Q. Preparation of biochar with high absorbability and its nutrient adsorption–desorption behaviour. Sci Total Environ, 2019, 694,

[19] Guo T, Tian W, Wang Y. Effect of pore structure on CO₂ adsorption performance for ZnCl₂/FeCl₃/H₂O(g) co-activated walnut shell-based biochar. Atmosphere, 2022, 13(7): 1110,

[20] Hong WY. A techno-economic review on carbon capture, utilisation and storage systems for achieving a net-zero CO₂ emissions future. Carbon Capture Sci Technol, 2022, 3,

[21] Huang Y-F, Chiueh P-T, Shih C-H, Lo S-L, Sun L, Zhong Y, Qiu C. Microwave pyrolysis of rice straw to produce biochar as an adsorbent for CO₂ capture. Energy, 2015, 84: 75-82,

[22] Igalavithana AD, Choi SW, Dissanayake PD, Shang J, Wang C-H, Yang X, Kim S, Tsang DCW, Lee KB, Ok YS. Gasification biochar from biowaste (food waste and wood waste) for effective CO₂ adsorption. J Hazard Mater, 2020, 391,

[23] Igalavithana AD, Choi SW, Shang J, Hanif A, Dissanayake PD, Tsang DCW, Kwon J-H, Lee KB, Ok YS. Carbon dioxide capture in biochar produced from pine sawdust and paper mill sludge: effect of porous structure and surface chemistry. Sci Total Environ, 2020, 739,

[24] Jellali S, El-Bassi L, Charabi Y, Usman M, Khiari B, Al-Wardy M, Jeguirim M. Recent advancements on biochars enrichment with ammonium and nitrates from wastewaters: a critical review on benefits for environment and agriculture. J Environ Manage, 2022, 305,

[25] Jung S, Park Y-K, Kwon EE. Strategic use of biochar for CO₂ capture and sequestration. J CO2 Utilization, 2019, 32: 128-139,

[26] Karimi M, Shirzad M, Silva JAC, Rodrigues AE. Biomass/Biochar carbon materials for CO₂ capture and sequestration by cyclic adsorption processes: a review and prospects for future directions. J CO2 Utilization, 2022, 57: 101890,

[27] Kim H-B, Kim J-G, Kim T, Alessi DS, Baek K. Mobility of arsenic in soil amended with biochar derived from biomass with different lignin contents: relationships between lignin content and dissolved organic matter leaching. Chem Eng J, 2020, 393,

[28] Kostas ET, Beneroso D, Robinson JP. The application of microwave heating in bioenergy: a review on the microwave pre-treatment and upgrading technologies for biomass. Renew Sustain Energy Rev, 2017, 77: 12-27,

[29] Kumar KV, Preuss K, Lu L, Guo ZX, Titirici MM. Effect of nitrogen doping on the CO₂ adsorption behavior in nanoporous carbon structures: a molecular simulation study. J Phys Chem C, 2015, 119(39): 22310-22321,

[30] Li G, Shen B, Li Y, Zhao B, Wang F, He C, Wang Y, Zhang M. Removal of element mercury by medicine residue derived biochars in presence of various gas compositions. J Hazard Mater, 2015, 298: 162-169,

[31] Li J, Dai J, Liu G, Zhang H, Gao Z, Fu J, He Y, Huang Y. Biochar from microwave pyrolysis of biomass: a review. Biomass Bioenerg, 2016, 94: 228-244,

[32] Li J, Liang N, Jin X, Zhou D, Li H, Wu M, Pan B. The role of ash content on bisphenol A sorption to biochars derived from different agricultural wastes. Chemosphere, 2017, 171: 66-73,

[33] Li H, Li J, Fan X, Li X, Gao X. Insights into the synergetic effect for co-pyrolysis of oil sands and biomass using microwave irradiation. Fuel, 2019, 239: 219-229,

[34] Liao W, Tang C, Zheng H, Ding J, Zhang K, Wang H, Lu J, Huang W, Zhang Z. Tuning activity and selectivity of CO₂ hydrogenation via metal-oxide interfaces over ZnO-supported metal catalysts. J Catal, 2022, 407: 126-140,

[35] Lin J, Sun S, Xu D, Cui C, Ma R, Luo J, Fang L, Li H. Microwave directional pyrolysis and heat transfer mechanisms based on multiphysics field stimulation: design porous biochar structure via controlling hotspots formation. Chem Eng J, 2022, 429,

[36] Ma Y, He X, Tang S, Xu S, Qian Y, Zeng L, Tang K. Enhanced 2-D MOFs nanosheets/PIM-PMDA-OH mixed matrix membrane for efficient CO₂ separation. J Environ Chem Eng, 2022, 10(2),

[37] Mankar JS, Rayalu SS, Balasubramanian R, Krupadam RJ. High performance CO₂ capture at elevated temperatures by using cenospheres prepared from solid waste, fly ash. Chemosphere, 2021, 284,

[38] Mašek O, Budarin V, Gronnow M, Crombie K, Brownsort P, Fitzpatrick E, Hurst P. Microwave and slow pyrolysis biochar—comparison of physical and functional properties. J Anal Appl Pyrol, 2013, 100: 41-48,

[39] Mushtaq F, Mat R, Ani FN. A review on microwave assisted pyrolysis of coal and biomass for fuel production. Renew Sustain Energy Rev, 2014, 39: 555-574,

[40] Panwar NL, Pawar A. Influence of activation conditions on the physicochemical properties of activated biochar: a review. Biomass Conversion Biorefinery, 2022, 12(3): 925-947,

[41] Petrovic B, Gorbounov M, Masoudi Soltani S. Influence of surface modification on selective CO₂ adsorption: a technical review on mechanisms and methods. Microporous Mesoporous Mater, 2021, 312,

[42] Raganati F, Alfe M, Gargiulo V, Chirone R, Ammendola P. Kinetic study and breakthrough analysis of the hybrid physical/chemical CO₂ adsorption/desorption behavior of a magnetite-based sorbent. Chem Eng J, 2019, 372: 526-535,

[43] Rashidi NA, Yusup S. An overview of activated carbons utilization for the post-combustion carbon dioxide capture. J CO2 Utilization, 2016, 13: 1-16,

[44] Salema AA, Ani FN, Mouris J, Hutcheon R. Microwave dielectric properties of Malaysian palm oil and agricultural industrial biomass and biochar during pyrolysis process. Fuel Process Technol, 2017, 166: 164-173,

[45] Santos JL, Mäki-Arvela P, Monzón A, Murzin DY, Centeno MÁ. Metal catalysts supported on biochars: part I synthesis and characterization. Appl Catal B, 2020, 268,

[46] Shafawi AN, Mohamed AR, Lahijani P, Mohammadi M. Recent advances in developing engineered biochar for CO₂ capture: an insight into the biochar modification approaches. J Environ Chem Eng, 2021, 9(6),

[47] Shirvanimoghaddam K, Czech B, Abdikheibari S, Brodie G, Kończak M, Krzyszczak A, Al-Othman A, Naebe M. Microwave synthesis of biochar for environmental applications. J Anal Appl Pyrol, 2022, 161,

[48] Siddique IJ, Salema AA, Antunes E, Vinu R. Technical challenges in scaling up the microwave technology for biomass processing. Renew Sustain Energy Rev, 2022, 153,

[49] Sreedhar I, Vaidhiswaran R, Kamani BM, Venugopal A. Process and engineering trends in membrane based carbon capture. Renew Sustain Energy Rev, 2017, 68: 659-684,

[50] Sun Y, Wang T, Sun X, Bai L, Han C, Zhang P. The potential of biochar and lignin-based adsorbents for wastewater treatment: comparison, mechanism, and application—a review. Ind Crops Prod, 2021, 166,

[51] Torrisi A, Bell RG, Mellot-Draznieks C. Functionalized MOFs for enhanced CO₂ capture. Cryst Growth Des, 2010, 10(7): 2839-2841,

[52] Tsechansky L, Graber ER. Methodological limitations to determining acidic groups at biochar surfaces via the Boehm titration. Carbon, 2014, 66: 730-733,

[53] Xiang W, Zhang X, Cao C, Quan G, Wang M, Zimmerman AR, Gao B. Microwave-assisted pyrolysis derived biochar for volatile organic compounds treatment: characteristics and adsorption performance. Biores Technol, 2022, 355,

[54] Xiang W, Zhang X, Luo J, Li Y, Guo T, Gao B. Performance of lignin impregnated biochar on tetracycline hydrochloride adsorption: governing factors and mechanisms. Environ Res, 2022, 215,

[55] Zhang J, Liu J, Liu R. Effects of pyrolysis temperature and heating time on biochar obtained from the pyrolysis of straw and lignosulfonate. Biores Technol, 2015, 176: 288-291,

[56] Zhang X, Gao B, Creamer AE, Cao C, Li Y. Adsorption of VOCs onto engineered carbon materials: a review. J Hazard Mater, 2017, 338: 102-123,

[57] Zhang X, Miao X, Xiang W, Zhang J, Cao C, Wang H, Hu X, Gao B. Ball milling biochar with ammonia hydroxide or hydrogen peroxide enhances its adsorption of phenyl volatile organic compounds (VOCs). J Hazard Mater, 2021, 403,

[58] Zhang J, Huang D, Shao J, Zhang X, Zhang S, Yang H, Chen H. A new nitrogen-enriched biochar modified by ZIF-8 grafting and annealing for enhancing CO₂ adsorption. Fuel Process Technol, 2022, 231,

[59] Zhang X, Cao L, Xiang W, Xu Y, Gao B. Preparation and evaluation of fine-tuned micropore biochar by lignin impregnation for CO₂ and VOCs adsorption. Sep Purif Technol, 2022, 295,

[60] Zhang X, Xiang W, Miao X, Li F, Qi G, Cao C, Ma X, Chen S, Zimmerman AR, Gao B. Microwave biochars produced with activated carbon catalyst: characterization and sorption of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Sci Total Environ, 2022, 827,

[61] Zhang Y, Wang S, Feng D, Gao J, Dong L, Zhao Y, Sun S, Huang Y, Qin Y. Functional biochar synergistic solid/liquid-phase CO₂ capture: a review. Energy Fuels, 2022, 36(6): 2945-2970,

[62] Zubbri NA, Mohamed AR, Kamiuchi N, Mohammadi M. Enhancement of CO₂ adsorption on biochar sorbent modified by metal incorporation. Environ Sci Pollut Res, 2020, 27(11): 11809-11829,

Funding

Basic Research Program of Jiangsu Province(BK20201151); Natural Science Foundation of Xuzhou City(KC21288)