Investigating the carbon reduction potential of carbon derived from sugarcane Bagasse

Abstract

Abstract Climate change, air pollution, and economic instability are all consequences of the world’s increasing reliance on fossil fuels and fast population expansion. To address these problems, biomass—a plentiful renewable energy source made from industrial and agricultural waste offers a possible way forward. Hence the vacuum pyrolysis of sugarcane bagasse, a lignocellulosic biomass, at temperatures of 500 °C, 600 °C, and 700 °C to produce biomass carbon with optimized characteristics for energy applications and carbon sequestration. Proximate and ultimate analysis revealed a temperature-dependent decrease in biomass carbon yield but an increase in fixed carbon content and stability, with the highest H/C and lowest O/C atomic ratios observed at 700 °C. The sugarcane bagasse carbon at 500 °C achieved the highest total potential carbon (TPC) and CO₂ reduction potential with value of 248.47 g kg− 1 and 728.85 CO2 eq kg− 1 respectively, demonstrating its effectiveness in carbon sequestration. Moreover, energy-related properties such as energy retention efficiency (ERE) and calorific value were evaluated, confirming the potential of biomass carbon as a sustainable solid fuel alternative. These results highlight the role of pyrolysis conditions in adjusting the carbon characteristics of biomass for a variety of uses, hence promoting energy sustainability and mitigating the effects of climate change. According to the study, sugarcane bagasse should be used as efficiently as possible for carbon management and renewable energy.