Slow pyrolysis of bamboo: an approach on quality of charcoal and greenhouse gases emission

Abstract

Bamboo is a grass known worldwide for its versatility, fast growth and short rotation. The combination of these characteristics makes the species a potential source of biomass for energy use, especially when submitted to a thermochemical conversion treatment, such as pyrolysis. However, the environment aspects of the pyrolysis should be observed, like the emission of greenhouse gases. In this context, the aim of this study was to characterize the proprieties the charcoal and the emission of greenhouse gases of Dendrocalamus asper (Schult f.) Backer ex Heyne, in different pyrolysis temperature (400, 550, 700 °C). The charcoal properties are influenced by the pyrolysis temperature. The increase in the final pyrolysis temperature resulted in a reduction of around 24,5% in the values of charcoal yield and caused an increase in the emission of greenhouse gases (CO2, CO, CH4, and H2). Despite the advantages of performing pyrolysis as a thermal treatment, ways to mitigate such emissions are one aspect that has to be evaluated.