Optimizing biochar adsorbent production through semi-gasification

We recently showed biochar produced in top-lit drum (TLUD) semi-gasification systems exhibited OC adsorption capacities approaching that of a commercial GAC and 10-times greater than that of biochar produced in a kiln, which most studies use to make biochar for OC treatment. These were promising findings because efficient OC adsorbents were produced even though the TLUDs examined had limited control over production conditions. It is hypothesized, herein, that TLUD production conditions can be optimized to produce biochar with PFAS adsorption efficiencies that rival or exceed that of GAC. We propose using a modular TLUD, which we used previously to identify optimal conditions to limit combustion emissions, because it allows for production parameters to be fine-tuned that may influence adsorption efficiency (e.g., primary air content and flow rate). Thus, this project will use an innovative, interdisciplinary approach combining water quality and combustion engineering as well as a custom-designed experimental apparatus to design efficient, low-cost, and sustainable biochar adsorbents.