The Effect of Pyrolysis Temperature on Sawdust-Biomass Activated Carbon Using NaOH and NaCl Activators

Abstract

The biomass pyrolysis refers to the process of heating and degradation of biomass to promising sustainable energy production. For our study, we selected the pyrolysis process to compose the biomass. Pyrolysis reactor (PR) was carried out to process carbonation of sawdust using activated carbon. The yield from this sawmill ranges from 20–40% of the volume of logs, depending on the diameter of the logs being sawed. Sawdust is put into the pyrolysis reactor, and pyrolysis is carried out at temperatures of 300, 325, 350, and 375 °C for 1 hour. The pyrolysis product, in the form of carbonated sawdust biomass, is produced using the activators NaOH and NaCl through an activation process. The adsorbent was then filtered, neutralized, and set at 110 °C for 3 hours. Based on the research that has been carried out, the quality of activated carbon is affected by increasing the pyrolysis temperature. Activation with 15% NaOH increases bound carbon levels, similar to 35% NaCl, but 35% NaCl causes a decrease in fixed carbon levels at 400 °C. Activation with 15% NaOH produces a pore morphology with the largest pore size of 7.17 μm, while activation with 35% NaCl produces activated carbon with impurities at a pore size of 7.80 μm. Study results can form the basis for obtaining fuel, chemicals, and environmental improvements.