Carbon dioxide-assisted Torrefaction of Maize Cobs by Thermogravimetry: Product Yield and Energy Recovery Potentials

Bemgba B. Nyakuma; Samuel-Soma  M. Ajibade; Victor B.  Adebayo; Habib Alkali; Victor O.  Otitolaiye; Jemilatu O.  Audu; Faizah M.  Bashir; Yakubu A.  Dodo; Abubakar S. Mahmoud; Olagoke Oladokun

doi:10.15330/pcss.23.1.16-24

Authors

Bemgba B. Nyakuma Benue State University
Samuel-Soma M. Ajibade Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Victor B. Adebayo Malaysian-Japan International Institute of Technology, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Habib Alkali University of Maiduguri
Victor O. Otitolaiye Department of Health Safety & Environmental Management, International College of Engineering & Management, Seeb, Oman.
Jemilatu O. Audu Modibbo Adama University of Technology
Faizah M. Bashir University of Hail
Yakubu A. Dodo Istanbul Gelisim University
Abubakar S. Mahmoud King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
Olagoke Oladokun Covenant University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15330/pcss.23.1.16-24

Keywords:

Carbon dioxide, Torrefaction, Maize Cobs, Thermogravimetry, Energy Recovery

Abstract

The objective of this study is to examine the potential product yields and energy recovery of maize cobs (MC) through carbon dioxide-assisted torrefaction using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The CO₂-assisted torrefaction of MC was performed from 240 °C to 300 °C (Δ 30 °C) for the residence time of 30 minutes based on the selected non-isothermal/isothermal heating program of the TGA. Furthermore, the physicochemical, microstructure and mineral characteristics of MC were examined. The results showed that the CO2-torrefaction of MC resulted in a mass loss (ML) ranging from 18.45% to 55.17%, which resulted in the mass yield (MY) ranging from 81.55% to 44.83%. The HHV of the solid product was in the range from 22.55 MJ/kg to 26 MJ/kg, which indicates the CO₂-torrefaction process enhanced the energy content of MC by 40% – 60%. In conclusion, the findings showed that the CO₂ torrefaction is a practical, sustainable, and cost-effective approach for the valorization of MC into a clean solid biofuel for enhanced energy recovery.

Author Biography

Habib Alkali, University of Maiduguri

Department of Agricultural & Environmental Engineering, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.

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