Energy Recovery from Pumpkin Peel Using Microwave-Assisted Pyrolysis

The significant quantities of food waste that require disposal have a high environmental impact, and the depletion of non-renewable fuel sources has heightened the need to investigate sustainable and efficient methods of biomass conversion into energy. This research focuses on utilising pumpkin peel as a feedstock for energy recovery through microwave pyrolysis under different operating conditions. The study demonstrated that a higher biochar yield (11 wt%) was achieved at 0.9 kW. However, results revealed that superior quality biochar was obtained at 1.2 kW, characterized by high carbon content (70.33%), low oxygen content (23%), and significant pore formation in the carbon surface area. Optimal operating conditions, such as 1.2 kW, resulted in superior quality biochar and higher bio-oil generation. The pumpkin peel demonstrated the potential for CO2 (carbon dioxide) sequestration, with a rate of 14.29 g CO2 eq/kg. The research findings contribute to the exploration of sustainable solutions for biomass conversion and emphasize the importance of utilizing food waste for energy production while mitigating environmental impacts.

Energies

Energies

16

1996-1073

N/A

18

11