Effects of potassium on hydrothermal carbonization of sorghum bagasse

Abstract Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) reacts with biomass in water at a high temperature and pressure to produce hydrochar higher heating value (HHV) lower ash content than dry torrefaction. The potassium can promote thermochemical conversion; however, it lowers the melting of ash, causing slugging fouling. Therefore, this study, investigated effect on HTC sorghum bagasse by comparing removal washing addition K 2 CO 3 . Consequently, was highest potassium-added 3.81% reaction time h. Elemental analysis showed that content, carbon removed h had 68.3%. Fourier transform infrared spectrometer dehydration decarboxylation reactions due HTC, but no significant differences were observed between concentrations. mass yield decreased increasing 27.2% for after This trend more pronounced temperature. On other hand, HHV not affected content. energy similar weight yield. Thermal gravimetry derivative thermal (TG-DTG) tended accelerate decomposition lignin decrease oxidation Graphical