EVALUATION OF THREE LIGNOCELLULOSE BIOMASS MATERIALS (BARLEY HUSK, CORN COBS, AGAVE LEAVES) AS PRECURSORS OF ACTIVATED CARBON

Lignocellulosic biomass is a promising alternative and renewable energy source that can be transformed into other value-added products such as activated carbon. The objective was to evaluate the barley husk (Hordeum vulgare L.), corn cobs (Zea Mays L.) agave leaves (Agave salmiana) potential precursors of These were obtained from Almoloya Apan in State Hidalgo, Mexico. raw materials washed with distilled water, dried at 105 ºC for 72 h an oven, ground blade mill obtain particle size 0.3-1.0 mm finally sieved through mesh sieves 18 45. Humidity determined according ASTM D3173 (ASTM, 1996), ash D3174 2000), volatile matter D3175 1997), fixed carbon D3172 total sugars fats TAPPI T204 (TAPPI, Klason Lignin T222 1998), holocellulose method described by (Wise et al., 1946), (, ( cellulose T203 (TAPPI 1999). results show contents 82 83% holocellulose, 52 79% cellulose, 15 26% lignin, determined. Elemental analysis showed high values 42-45%. Particle sizes between 390.9 610.7 found. Thermogravimetric similar profiles thermal decomposition, being main stage, peaks around 300 °C. Regarding surface morphology, lignocellulosic residues fibrous porous structure. From these findings, it established analyzed considered carbons. presented here may facilitate improvements pyrolysis activation areas this residues. conditions acceptable yield biochar tested, were: carbonization temperature 400 °C, time 30 min, precursor mass 2-10 g N2 flow rate 150 cc/min. biocarbons produced under physically chemically characterized. Biochar yields 19.75% cob (CCB), 32.88% (BHB) 31.14% Agave salmiana (ALB). Biocarbons predominantly macroporous structure, amorphous numerous oxygen functional groups, anionic moderate content obtained. investigation husk, cob, are likely production good dye adsorption capacities.