A holistic overview on corn cob biochar: A mini-review

2022 ◽  
pp. 0734242X2110697
Author(s):  
Harsha Wakudkar ◽  
Sudhir Jain

Corn cob is one of the agricultural waste materials subjected to improper burning, which creates pollution. It can be used for the production of green technologies for further applications. Carbonisation or slow pyrolysis could be promising alternative to burning. It has many applications, such as soil ameliorant, waste water treatment, carbon sequestration, composting, supercapacitor, fuel cell and biocomposites material. It motivated to investigate the suitability of corn cob as a potential material for biochar production and its application. The advanced form of analysis, such as thermogravimetric, scanning electron microscopy, surface area, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy, is elaborated for in-depth knowledge of characteristics. The hypothesis is that if the available corn cob is used for biochar production, it will reduce the carbon dioxide (CO2) emission. On a global level, conversion of available corn cob into biochar is expected to reduce CO2 emission by 0.13 Gt per year. The reduction in CO2 emission also favours economy. If 1 tonne of biomass per year is converted into biochar, 0.82 tonnes of CO2 can be reduced per year and by considering the emission cost of Rs 1800 per tonne, the cost saving would be Rs 1476 per year. The presented mini-review article provides an outline of the state-of-art information on corn cob biochar and its novel application. It will be helpful to scientific domain to find new opportunities in biochar research and also the humanity will be benefitted due to reduction in greenhouse gases.

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 4204-4212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maheshwar Sharon ◽  
Ritesh Vishwakarma ◽  
Abhijeet Rajendra Phatak ◽  
Golap Kalita ◽  
Nallin Sharma ◽  
...  

Corn cob, an agricultural waste, is paralyzed at different temperatures (700oC, 800oC and 900oC). Microwave absorption of carbon in the frequency range of 2 GHz to 8 GHz is reported. Carbon activated  with 5%  nickel nitrate showed more than 90% absorption of microwave in the frequency range from 6 GHz to 8 GHz, while carbon activated  with 10% Nickel nitrate treated corn cob showed 90% absorption  in the frequency range of 2.5 GHz to 5 GHz. Carbon showing the best absorption are characterized by XRD, Raman spectra and SEM . It is suggested that corn cob treatment   alone with KOH did not improve the microwave absorption, whereas treatment along with nickel nitrate improved the absorption property much better. It is proposed that treatment with nickel nitrate helps in creating suitable pores in carbon   which improved the absorption behavior because while treating carbon with 1N HCl helps to leach out nickel creating equivalent amount of pores in the carbon.


Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 2135
Author(s):  
Hatem Alhazmi ◽  
Syyed Adnan Raheel Shah ◽  
Muhammad Kashif Anwar ◽  
Ali Raza ◽  
Muhammad Kaleem Ullah ◽  
...  

Polymer composites have been identified as the most innovative and selective materials known in the 21st century. Presently, polymer concrete composites (PCC) made from industrial or agricultural waste are becoming more popular as the demand for high-strength concrete for various applications is increasing. Polymer concrete composites not only provide high strength properties but also provide specific characteristics, such as high durability, decreased drying shrinkage, reduced permeability, and chemical or heat resistance. This paper provides a detailed review of the utilization of polymer composites in the construction industry based on the circular economy model. This paper provides an updated and detailed report on the effects of polymer composites in concrete as supplementary cementitious materials and a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature on their utilization and the production of polymer composites. A detailed review of a variety of polymers, their qualities, performance, and classification, and various polymer composite production methods is given to select the best polymer composite materials for specific applications. PCCs have become a promising alternative for the reuse of waste materials due to their exceptional performance. Based on the findings of the studies evaluated, it can be concluded that more research is needed to provide a foundation for a regulatory structure for the acceptance of polymer composites.


Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 1486
Author(s):  
Eugene B. Caldona ◽  
Ernesto I. Borrego ◽  
Ketki E. Shelar ◽  
Karl M. Mukeba ◽  
Dennis W. Smith

Many desirable characteristics of polymers arise from the method of polymerization and structural features of their repeat units, which typically are responsible for the polymer’s performance at the cost of processability. While linear alternatives are popular, polymers composed of cyclic repeat units across their backbones have generally been shown to exhibit higher optical transparency, lower water absorption, and higher glass transition temperatures. These specifically include polymers built with either substituted alicyclic structures or aromatic rings, or both. In this review article, we highlight two useful ring-forming polymer groups, perfluorocyclobutyl (PFCB) aryl ether polymers and ortho-diynylarene- (ODA) based thermosets, both demonstrating outstanding thermal stability, chemical resistance, mechanical integrity, and improved processability. Different synthetic routes (with emphasis on ring-forming polymerization) and properties for these polymers are discussed, followed by their relevant applications in a wide range of aspects.


2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elsa Cherian ◽  
M. Dharmendira Kumar ◽  
G. Baskar

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to optimize production of cellulase enzyme from agricultural waste by using Aspergillus fumigatus JCF. The study also aims at the production of bioethanol using cellulase and yeast. Design/methodology/approach – Cellulase production was carried out using modified Mandel’s medium. The optimization of the cellulase production was carried out using Plackett-Burman and Response surface methodology. Bioethanol production was carried out using simultaneous saccharification and fermentation. Findings – Maximum cellulase production at optimized conditions was found to be 2.08 IU/ml. Cellulase was used for the saccharification of three different feed stocks, i.e. sugar cane leaves, corn cob and water hyacinth. Highest amount of reducing sugar was released was 29.1 gm/l from sugarcane leaves. Sugarcane leaves produced maximum bioethanol concentration of 9.43 g/l out of the three substrates studied for bioethanol production. Originality/value – The present study reveals that by using the agricultural wastes, cellulase production can be economically increased thereby bioethanol production.


2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 432-443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madhu Vij

Purpose This study aims to provide a comprehensive treatment of the various issues surrounding the concept of the cost competitiveness, competitiveness and sustainability of the hospitality industry. We also investigate how innovations in the Indian hospitality industry can optimize costs without compromising the quality of the product or the services offered. Design/methodology/approach The methodology used is mainly survey-based with the use of both structured and unstructured questionnaires. In addition, some interviews were conducted with policy-makers and academics to explore from their perspectives what might be the innovations and sustainability issues in the next decade. Findings The paper helps to identify the essential aspects of cost competitiveness, competitiveness and sustainability in the hospitality industry and to better understand if cost optimization can be accomplished simply by realigning process or cost. These issues have become very important in India in the present context of globalization. Practical implications With growing competition on a global level, the hospitality industry needs to proactively manage its internal operations and focus on reducing costs and raising service quality. In this context, the paper helps to reveal sustainable cost effective practices that are geared to today’s competitive environment. Originality/value The inspiration to write this paper arises from the recent global economic slowdown and the fact that the hospitality industry is confronted with growing competition on a global level. This study highlights how value can be created for customers by applying suitable strategies.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 24
Author(s):  
Dewi Putri Yuniarti

Many reseerches about agricultural waste shows potency from this waste to be used as high quality of active carbon that can be used as (adsorbent) on gasoline and substances dissolved at solution. One of agricultural result in South Sumatera that is enough corn cob, where is solid waste that throun just. It is impossible since corncob contains about 40 % of cellulose. So, cellulose which can be used as an active carbon. There are two basic processes in the active carbon making, those are carbonization and activation. The aim of this study was to find out how the activated time gave influence to the adsorption capacity of active carbon as the metal ion Cu2+ adsorbent. The obtained data were analysed by using Atomic Adsorption Spectrophotometry (SNI 06-6989.6-2009). Moreover, the characteristic of the active carbon was ansalysed by Standart Nacional Indutrial (SNI 06-3730-1995). From the result of study, it was obtained that the activated time of 60 minutes with the activator H3PO4 0,5 M had the best adsorption capacity of 1.97 mg/g with the metal ion Cu2­+ concentration was 0,80 ppm. The characteristic of the missing part 9500C  20.54 %, water content of 11 %, ash content of 7 % and iodine number of 750.35 mg/g, pure active carbon 72.46 %, the density of bulk 0.31 g/ml, pass for the mesh size of 325 is 98 %. The adsorption capacity of active carbon from the corncob to the metal ion Cu2+ taken from the waste water sample at the shipyard painting work shop in Palembang was 0.1644 mg/g (97.60 %). Key words : Activated Carbon, Corn cob, Adsorption, AAS,  Copper (II) Metal Ion.


2021 ◽  
pp. 16-39
Author(s):  
Ayodeji Timothy BALOGUN

The use of an agricultural waste product corn cob for the production of biodiesel has been performed. Biodiesel was obtained by extraction of the corn cob and used to produce biodiesel by transesterification, using a mixture of methanol and potassium hydroxide (methanoxide). The produced biodiesel was characterized, and the results of the physiochemical properties were as follows: viscosity, density, flash point, pH and refractive index. These values compare favourably with corresponding values of standard biodiesel.


2005 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 273-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
P J Horner

It has recently been advocated that non-invasive testing with first-catch urine specimens using nucleic acid amplification techniques, to detect Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, should replace routine microscopy on asymptomatic men. Although it is assumed that this strategy will be cost effective, the available evidence suggests that this will result in fewer sexually transmitted infections being averted than continuing the current practice of screening for urethritis and testing for both microorganisms in asymptomatic men. This review article summarizes the available evidence and argues that research is urgently needed in order to properly evaluate the cost-effectiveness of detecting urethritis in asymptomatic men.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Di Rauso Simeone ◽  
Gennaro Cesarano ◽  
Luca Micoli ◽  
Giuseppe Toscano ◽  
Maria Turco ◽  
...  

<p>Anaerobic digestion (AD) of organic wastes is a promising alternative to landfilling for reducing greenhouse gas emission and it is encouraged by current regulation in Europe. AD represents a source of green energy, while the by-product digestate still generates concerns for a safely disposal. The sustainability of AD plants partly depends on the management of digestion residues. Digestate could be used in organic amendment straightaway or after composting to limit possible phytotoxicity effects on crops. This study has been focused on the environmental benefits of digested olive mill wastewater (OMW), recalcitrant agricultural waste. OMW require a complex management due to high production volume in a limited time, fermentative processes occurring during the storage, and toxicity due to phenol compounds. These latter might compromise the AD process affecting microbial metabolism. As biochar is able to adsorb and retain organic and inorganic pollutants, we used biochar as additives during AD to remove phenols, stimulate microbial activity and therefore hydrogen and methane production. The resulted digestates including biochar could be used in order to increase the carbon stock in soil as a valid alternative to other organic amendments.</p><p>The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of solid and liquid digestates, obtained from the AD process of OMW with biochar (30 and 45%), as additive, on soil chemical and biochemical properties in order to validate its use in organic amendment in lab-scale experiment. The liquid and solid digestates were added to soil according to the maximum dose allowed by the Italian nitrates directive concerning non-vulnerable areas (91/676/EEC, DGR 209/2007). Pots containing soil differently amended with liquid and solid digestates were prepared also for the growth of <em>Lactuca sativa</em> L. seedlings.</p><p>Thirty days after treatments, positive changes in chemical and biochemical properties in soil pots with biochar-treated digestates, in particular with liquid ones, occurred. Soil organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon and some soil enzymatic activities such as dehydrogenase, phosphomonoesterase, β-glucosidase and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis significantly improved. Besides an enhancement of lettuce biomass, a significant decrease of nitrate content in plant tissue was registered when pots were amended with biochar-treated digestates.</p><p>The assessment of the agronomic quality of liquid and solid digestates, obtained by biochar assisted AD of OMW, as organic soil amendment, demonstrated that also critical biomass such as OMW, if opportunely treated, can entry in a re-use process where biogas and by-products can be part of virtuous circular economy.</p><p>This work was part of the project “Mitigation of the environmental impact of olive mill waste water through sustainable bioprocess with energy recovery” funded by the Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II.</p>


2020 ◽  
Vol 156 ◽  
pp. 112867
Author(s):  
Sara L. Baptista ◽  
Luís C. Carvalho ◽  
Aloia Romaní ◽  
Lucília Domingues

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