Applications of Hydrochar and Charcoal in the Iron and Steelmaking Industry—Part 1: Characterization of Carbonaceous Materials

The iron and steelmaking industry faces the dilemma of need to decrease their greenhouse gas emissions align with decarbonization goals, while at same time fulfill increasing steel demand from growing population. Replacing fossil coal coke biomass-based carbon materials reduces net dioxide emissions. However, there is currently a shortage charcoal fully cover achieve emission-reduction goals. Moreover, transportation energy sectors can compete for biofuel usage in next few decades. Simultaneously, our society challenges accumulation wastes, especially wet organic wastes that are not reused recycled full potentials. Here, hydrothermal carbonization technology which convert feedstocks high moisture contents solid fuels (hydrochar, one type biochar) as an alternative renewable material. This work studied differences between hydrochar, produced lemon peels (Lemon Hydrochar), two types charcoals (with without densification) Anthracite coal. Characterizations such chemical ash compositions, thermogravimetric analyses nitrogen atmospheres, scanning electron microscope surface morphologies, pyrolysis up 1200 °C were performed. main conclusions this study following: (1) hydrochar has lower thermal stability higher reactivity compared Anthracite; (2) densification resulted reduction pickup CO2 charcoal; (3) Lemon Hydrochar formation large amount tar (17 wt%) (39 wt%), leading its low fixed content (27 wt%); (4) pyrolyzed (up °C) comparable heating value those Anthracite, but phosphorous, ash, alkalis increased significantly; (5) based on preliminary assessment, should be blended or upgraded through slow basic functions high-temperature metallurgical processes.