Introducing priority morph-genetic porous carbon for potential applications in soil and water conservation through game theory

Abstract

Abstract

The increasing generation of solid waste is recognized as one of the leading environmental and economic challenges. Optimal waste management, particularly in the agricultural and industrial sectors, necessitates innovative approaches for the efficient management of vital resources, including soil and water. One practical solution is the production of morpho-genetic porous carbon (MGPC) as a type of activated biochar, which has wide applications due to its porous structure, chemical and thermal stability, and high specific surface area. In this study, biochar was prepared with eight types of waste, including rice straw, vineyard prunings, palm prunings, sawdust, vinasse, poultry slaughterhouse waste, paper mill waste, and tissue paper production waste. Biochar production was carried out through a pyrolysis process under low-oxygen conditions and at a temperature of 400 °C. Biochar was converted into MGPC at a temperature of 800 °C using KOH and H₃PO₄ as activators at three different levels and CO₂ at a single level. Then, using data obtained from the Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET) test, the game theory approach, and the Condorcet algorithm for evaluation, 64 MGPC samples were analyzed. BET analysis was performed to measure the specific surface area and pore structure. The data obtained from this analysis were extensively reported, encompassing approximately 40 criteria. However, only 12 criteria were selected, while about 28 criteria were excluded from the Condorcet algorithm due to the incompleteness of some of their data. This study investigated the process of biochar and MGPC production using agricultural and industrial wastes, with an emphasis on the role of game theory in promoting environmentally sound decision-making and optimizing MGPC applications. From 64 prepared samples, by examining their physical properties and environmental impacts, five priority samples, i.e., rice straw-KOH-level 2, sawdust-KOH-level 2, palm tree pruning waste-KOH-level 2, vineyard pruning waste-KOH-level 2, and tissue factory waste-KOH-level 2, with respective surface areas of 1071.47, 672.04, 860.54, 667.49, and 133.45 m² g⁻¹ and t-plot micropore volumes of 0.29, 0.24, 0.17, 0.19, and 0.02 cm³ g⁻¹. were prioritized using the Condorcet algorithm. They were identified as suitable candidates for advanced applications in soil and water conservation due to their favorable porous structures and highly performed BET properties. The present study shows that innovative methods for producing MGPC can improve the performance and properties of porous materials for various applications.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords

Activated carbon / Multi-criteria decision making / Physical properties / Soil amendment / Waste management

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Funding

Iran National Science Foundation(4021328)

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

The Author(s)