Comparative life cycle assessment of biomass-based and coal-based activated carbon production

Authors

  • Jiunn Boon Yong Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Malaysia - Japan International Institute of Technology, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra, 54100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5700-7332
  • Lian See Tan Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Malaysia - Japan International Institute of Technology, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra, 54100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9039-7926
  • Jully Tan Chemical Engineering Discipline, School of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Selangor 47500, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37934/progee.20.1.115

Keywords:

Life cycle assessment, Global warming potential, Acidification potential, Eutrophication potential, Activated carbon

Abstract

Activated carbon is an effective adsorbent due to its high porosity, large surface area and high surface reactivity. Activated carbon is commonly produced from coal which is a non-renewable resource. Therefore, alternative source such as biomass-based activated carbon is being explored nowadays. However, the environmental impact of biomass-based activated carbon produced is still not clearly quantified. Thus, in this study, the impact of production of biomass-based activated carbon was compared with base case of coal-based activated carbon. The environmental impact of both biomass and coal-based activated carbon in terms of global warming potential (GWP), acidification potential (AP) and eutrophication potential (EP) from cradle to gate was evaluated using life cycle assessment (LCA) based on method outlined in ISO 14040. The input and output data of biomass-based and coal activated carbon were obtained from the literature. The results show that biomass-based activated carbon is a better option of source for activated carbon compared to coal activated carbon. The outcome of this study provides a better understanding on the environmental impact of production of biomass-based activated carbon. The outcome can also verify the sustainability of the renewable sources used for the production of activated carbon. In long term perspective, it can be used to support the replacement of coal-based activated carbon.

References

W.K. Kim, S.A. Younis, K.H. Kim, A strategy for the enhancement of trapping efficiency of gaseous benzene on activated carbon (AC) through modification of their surface functionalities, Environmental Pollution 270 (2021) 116239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2020.116239.

E.V. Liakos, Despina, A.G., A.C. Mitropoulos, K.A. Matis, G.Z. Kyzas, On the combination of modern sorbents with cost analysis: A review, Journal of Molecular Structure 1229 (2020) 129841. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molstruc.2020.129841.

V. Benedetti, F. Patuzzi, M. Baratieri, Characterization of char from biomass gasification and its similarities with activated carbon in adsorption applications, Applied Energy 227 (2018) 92-99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.08.076.

Y. Liu, Z. Zhu, Q. Cheng, H. Ren, S. Wang, Y. Zhao, J. Li, J. Zhu, L.B. Kong, One-step preparation of environment-oriented magnetic coal-based activated carbon with high adsorption and magnetic separation performance, Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials 521 (2021) 167517. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmmm.2020.167517.

M.I. Din, S. Ashraf, A. Intisar, Comparative study of different activation treatments for the preparation of activated carbon: a mini-review, Science Progress 100(3) (2017) 299-312. https://doi.org/10.3184/003685017X14967570531606.

G. Selvaraju, N.K.A. Bakar, Production of a new industrially viable green-activated carbon from Artocarpus integer fruit processing waste and evaluation of its chemical, morphological and adsorption properties, Journal of Cleaner Production 141 (2017) 989-999. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.09.056.

C.Q. Teong, H. D. Setiabudi, N.A.S. El-Arish, M.B. Bahari, L.P. The, Vatica rassak wood waste-derived activated carbon for effective Pb (II) adsorption: Kinetic, isotherm and reusability studies, Materials Today: Proceedings 42(1) (2021) 165-171. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.11.270.

K.A. Thompson, K.K. Shimabuku, J.P. Kearns, D.R.U. Knappe, R.S. Summers, S.M. Cook. Environmental comparison of biochar and activated carbon for tertiary wastewater treatment. Environmental Science & Technology 50(20) (2016) 11253-11262. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.6b03239.

L. Li, D. Zou, Z. Xiao, X. Zeng, L. Zhang, L. Jiang, A. Wang, D. Ge, G. Zhang, F. Liu. Biochar as a sorbent for emerging contaminants enables improvements in waste management and sustainable resource use, Journal of Cleaner Production 210 (2019) 1324-1342. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.11.087.

A. Ahmad, T. Azam. Water purification technologies, in: Bottled and Packaged Water, Woodhead Publishing, 2019: pp. 83-120.

A. Baldania, B. Vibhute, S. Parikh, Synthesis of activated carbon from biomass, AIP Conference Proceedings 2327(1) (2021) 020034. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0039439.

T.E. Odetoye, M.S.A. Bakar, J.O. Titiloye, Pyrolysis and characterization of Jatropha curcas shell and seed coat, Nigerian Journal of Technological Development 16(2) (2019) 71-77. https://doi.org/10.4314/njtd.v16i2.4.

N. Radenahmad, A.T. Azad, M. Saghir, J. Taweekun, M.S.A. Bakar, M.S. Reza, A.K. Azad, A review on biomass derived syngas for SOFC based combined heat and power application, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 119 (2020) 109560. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2019.109560.

A. Jain, R. Balasubramanian, M.P. Srinivasan, Hydrothermal conversion of biomass waste to activated carbon with high porosity: A review, Chemical Engineering Journal 283 (2016)789-805. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2015.08.014.

R.K. Liew, E. Azwar, P.N.Y. Yek, X.Y. Lim, C.K. Cheng, J.H. Ng, A. Jusoh, W.H. Lam, M.D. Ibrahim, N.L. Ma, S.S. Lam, Microwave pyrolysis with KOH/NaOH mixture activation: a new approach to produce micro-mesoporous activated carbon for textile dye adsorption, Bioresource Technology 266 (2018) 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2018.06.051.

Kopffer, Walter, ed. Background and future prospects in life cycle assessment, Springer Science & Business Media, 2014.

D. Loya-Gonzaez, M. Loredo-Cancino, E. Soto-Regalado, P. Rivas-Garcia, F.d.J. Cerino-Cordova, R.B. Garcia-Reyes, D. Bustos-Martinez, A. Estrada-Baltazar, Optimal activated carbon production from corn pericarp: a life cycle assessment approach, Journal of Cleaner Production 219 (2019) 316-325. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.02.068.

H. Gu, R. Bergman, N. Anderson, S. Alanya-Rosenbaum, Life cycle assessment of activated carbon from woody biomass, Wood and Fiber Science 50(3) (2018) 229-243. https://doi.org/10.22382/wfs-2018-024.

K. Hjaila, R. Baccar, M. Sarrà, C.M. Gasol, P. Blánquez, Environmental impact associated with activated carbon preparation from olive-waste cake via life cycle assessment, Journal of Environmental Management 130 (2013) 242-247. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2013.08.061.

T. Maneerung, J. Liew, Y. Dai, S. Kawi, C. Chong, C.H. Wang, Activated carbon derived from carbon residue from biomass gasification and its application for dye adsorption: kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamic studies, Bioresource Technology 200 (2016) 350-359. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2015.10.047.

N.A. Rashidi, S. Yusup, A review on recent technological advancement in the activated carbon production from oil palm wastes, Chemical Engineering Journal 314 (2017) 277-290. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2016.11.059.

M.M. Rahman, M. Awang, M. Shajahan, K. Yunus, F. Miskon, M.R. Karim, Preparation of activated carbon by chemical activation and its in vitro adsorption efficacy tests for paraquat. Wulfenia Journal 21 (2014) 237-242.

E. Onoja, S. Chandren, F.I.A. Razak, N.A. Mahat, R.A. Wahab, Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) biomass in Malaysia: the present and future prospects, Waste and Biomass Valorization 10(8) (2019) 2099-2117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-018-0258-1.

C. Wang, D. Mu, An LCA study of an electricity coal supply chain, Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management (JIEM) 7(1) (2014) 311-335.

A.H. Wazir, I. Haq, A. Manan, A. Khan, Preparation and characterization of activated carbon from coal by chemical activation with KOH, International Journal of Coal Preparation and Utilization 42(5) (2020) 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1080/19392699.2020.1727896.

C.W. Reeb, T. Hays, R.A. Venditti, R. Gonzalez, S. Kelley, Supply chain analysis, delivered cost, and life cycle assessment of oil palm empty fruit bunch biomass for green chemical production in Malaysia, BioResources 9(3) (2014) 5385-5416.

N. Arpornpong, D.A. Sabatini, S. Khaodhiar, A. Charoensaeng, Life cycle assessment of palm oil microemulsion-based biofuel, The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment 20(7) (2015) 913-926. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-015-0888-5.

J.S. Cha, S.H. Park, S.C. Jung, C. Ryu, J.K. Jeon, M.C. Shin, Y.K. Par, Production and utilization of biochar: A review, Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry 40 (2016) 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jiec.2016.06.002.

M.H. Kim, M. Hyung, I.T. Jeong, S.B. Park, J.W. Kim, Analysis of environmental impact of activated carbon production from wood waste, Environmental Engineering Research 24(1) (2019) 117-126. https://doi.org/10.4491/eer.2018.104.

R.F.T. Tiegam, D.R.T. Tchuifon, R. Santagata, P.A.K. Nanssou, S.G. Anagho, I. Ionel, S. Ulgiati, Production of activated carbon from cocoa pods: Investigating benefits and environmental impacts through analytical chemistry techniques and life cycle assessment, Journal of Cleaner Production 288 (2021) 125464. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.125464.

B. Sajjadi, T. Zubatiuk, D. Leszczynska, J. Leszczynski, W.Y. Chen, Chemical activation of biochar for energy and environmental applications: a comprehensive review, Reviews in Chemical Engineering 35(7) (2019) 777-815. https://doi.org/10.1515/revce-2018-0003.

Y.S. Pradana, A. Budiman, Bio-syngas derived from Indonesian oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) using middle-scale gasification, Journal of Engineering Science and Technology 10(8) (2015) 1-8.

S. Ramachandran, Z. Yao, S. You, T. Massier, U. Stimming, C.H. Wang, Life cycle assessment of a sewage sludge and woody biomass co-gasification system, Energy 137 (2017) 369-376. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2017.04.139.

L. Zhang, J. Wang, Y. Feng, Life cycle assessment of opencast coal mine production: a case study in Yimin mining area in China, Environmental Science and Pollution Research 25(9) (2018) 8475-8486. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-1169-6.

X. Gabarrell, M. Font, T. Vicent, G. Caminal, M. Sarra, P. Blanquez, A comparative life cycle assessment of two treatment technologies for the Grey Lanaset G textile dye: biodegradation by Trametes versicolor and granular activated carbon adsorption, The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment 17(5) (2012) 613-624. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-012-0385-z.

D.M.M. Yacout, M.A. Abd El-Kawi, and M. S. Hassouna, Cradle to gate environmental impact assessment of acrylic fiber manufacturing, The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment 21, no. 3 (2016): 326-336. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-015-1023-3.

M. Shekarchian, M. Moghavvemi, T.M.I. Mahlia, A. Mazandarani, A review on the pattern of electricity generation and emission in Malaysia from 1976 to 2008, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 15(6) (2011) 2629-2642. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2011.03.024.

P.T. Williams, A.R. Reed, Development of activated carbon pore structure via physical and chemical activation of biomass fibre waste, Biomass and Bioenergy 30(2) (2006) 144-152. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2005.11.006.

Z. Ong, Y. Cheng, T. Maneerung, Z. Yao, Y.W. Tong, C.H. Wang, Y. Dai, Co-gasification of woody biomass and sewage sludge in a fixed-bed downdraft gasifier, AIChE Journal 61(8) (2015) 2508-2521. https://doi.org/10.1002/aic.14836.

D. Cuhadaroglu, O.A. Uygun, Production and characterization of activated carbon from a bituminous coal by chemical activation, African Journal of Biotechnology 7(20) (2008) 3703-3710. https://doi.org/10.5897/AJB08.588.

M.J. Prauchner, F. Rodríguez-Reinoso, Chemical versus physical activation of coconut shell: A comparative study, Microporous and Mesoporous Materials 152 (2012) 163-171. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2011.11.040.

A. Augustyn, G. Young, Coal Preparation, in: Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., July 2020. https://www.britannica.com/technology/coal-mining/Coal-preparation.

I. Kozyatnyk, D.M.M. Yacout, J.V. Caneghem, S. Jansson, Comparative environmental assessment of end-of-life carbonaceous water treatment adsorbents, Bioresource Technology 302 (2020) 122866. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2020.122866.

J.B. Guinée, Handbook on life cycle assessment: operational guide to the ISO standards, in: Book Review: The Second Dutch LCA-Guide Vol. 7, Springer Science & Business Media, 2002. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02978897.

T.M.I. Mahlia, Emissions from electricity generation in Malaysia, Renewable Energy 27(2) (2002): 293-300. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0960-1481(01)00177-X.

A.H. Jafar, A.Q. Al-Amin, C. Siwar, Environmental impact of alternative fuel mix in electricity generation in Malaysia, Renewable Energy 33(10) (2008) 2229-2235. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2007.12.014.

A.V. Bridgwater, Review of fast pyrolysis of biomass and product upgrading, Biomass and Bioenergy 38 (2012) 68-94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2011.01.048.

X.J. Lee, Evaluation of cost effective adsorbent and biochar from Malaysia oil palm wastes: synthesis, characterisation and optimisation studies, PhD Dissertation., University of Nottingham, 2018.

S. Yaman, Pyrolysis of biomass to produce fuels and chemical feedstocks, Energy Conversion and Management 45(5) (2004) 651-671. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0196-8904(03)00177-8.

J. Watson, Y. Zhang, B. Si, W.T. Chen, R. de Souza, Gasification of biowaste: A critical review and outlooks, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 83 (2018) 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.10.003.

S.H. Kong, S.K. Loh, R.T. Bachmann, S.A. Rahim, J. Salimon, Biochar from oil palm biomass: A review of its potential and challenges, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 39 (2014) 729-739. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2014.07.107.

J.C. Kurnia, S.V. Jangam, S. Akhtar, A.P. Sasmito, A.S. Mujumdar, Advances in biofuel production from oil palm and palm oil processing wastes: a review, Biofuel Research Journal 3(1) (2016) 332-346. https://doi.org/10.18331/BRJ2016.3.1.3.

Y.M. Choo, H. Muhamad, Z. Hashim, V. Subramaniam, C.W. Puah, Y. Tan, Determination of GHG contributions by subsystems in the oil palm supply chain using the LCA approach, The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment 16(7) (2011) 669-681. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-011-0303-9.

J. Han, J. Kim, Process simulation and optimization of 10-MW EFB power plant, Computer Aided Chemical Engineering 43 (2018) 723-729. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-444-64235-6.50128-5.

L. Rong, T. Maneerung, J.C. Ng, K.G. Neoh, B.H. Bay, Y.W. Tong, Y. Dai, C.H. Wang, Co-gasification of sewage sludge and woody biomass in a fixed-bed downdraft gasifier: Toxicity assessment of solid residues, Waste Management 36 (2015) 241-255. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2014.11.026.

J.A. Maciá-Agulló, B.C. Moore, D. Cazorla-Amorós, A. Linares-Solano, Activation of coal tar pitch carbon fibres: Physical activation vs. chemical activation, Carbon 42(7) (2004) 1367-1370. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2004.01.013.

H. Gu, R. Bergman, N. Anderson, S. Alanya-Rosenbaum, Life cycle assessment of activated carbon from woody biomass, Wood and Fiber Science 50(3) (2018) 229-243. https://doi.org/10.1016/10.22382/wfs-2018-024.

T. Suda, M. Takafuji, T. Hirata, M. Yoshino, J. Sato, A study of combustion behavior of pulverized coal in high-temperature air, Proceedings of the combustion Institute 29(1) (2002): 503-509. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1540-7489(02)80065-7.

R. Turconi, A. Boldrin, T. Astrup, Life cycle assessment (LCA) of electricity generation technologies: Overview, comparability and limitations, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 28 (2013) 555-565. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2013.08.013.

L. Zhang, J. Wang, Y. Feng, Life cycle assessment of opencast coal mine production: a case study in Yimin mining area in China, Environmental Science and Pollution Research 25(9) (2018) 8475-8486. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-1169-6.

M.O. Abdullah, I.A.W. Tan, L.S. Lim, Automobile adsorption air-conditioning system using oil palm biomass-based activated carbon: A review, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 15(4) (2011) 2061-2072. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2011.01.012.

Downloads

Published

2022-08-30

How to Cite

[1]
J. B. . Yong, L. S. Tan, and J. Tan, “Comparative life cycle assessment of biomass-based and coal-based activated carbon production”, Prog. Energy Environ., vol. 20, pp. 1–15, Aug. 2022.
صندلی اداری سرور مجازی ایران Decentralized Exchange

Issue

Section

Original Article
فروشگاه اینترنتی