Thermokinetic Mapping of Activation Energy Evolution from Biomass to Biochar and Activated Carbon
Combustion Science and Technology, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1080/00102202.2026.2618502
- Dergi Adı: Combustion Science and Technology
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Chemical Abstracts Core, Compendex, Environment Index
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Activated carbon, activation energy, biochar, biomass, thermokinetics
- İnönü Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Introduction: Understanding the thermokinetic evolution of biomass-derived carbons is critical for optimizing their structural stability and functional performance in advanced applications. Agricultural residues, such as pepper, tomato, and eggplant waste, offer sustainable carbon precursors; however, the evolution of activation energy during their transformation into biochar and activated carbon remains poorly understood. Methodology: Raw biomass, derived biochars, and KOH-activated carbons were systematically investigated using thermogravimetric analysis under controlled heating conditions. Kinetic parameters were determined by combining the Arrhenius, Coats–Redfern, and isoconversional Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose/Ozawa–Flynn–Wall models to track changes in activation energy throughout the conversion pathway. Results and Discussion: The materials exhibited multistage thermal degradation behavior, with significant mass losses associated with hemicellulose and cellulose decomposition between 200 and 400°C. Progressive shifts of Tmax toward higher temperatures and increased residual mass from biomass to activated carbon indicated enhanced carbon consolidation and thermal stability. Activation energy increased systematically from raw biomass (−66 to 55kJ mol−1) to biochar (63–93kJ mol−1), reaching up to 118kJ mol−1 for activated carbons, reflecting a transition to carbon lattice–controlled kinetics. Conclusion and Recommendations: This study elucidates the structure–reactivity transformation from biomass to engineered carbons driven by aromatization and stabilization. The presented thermokinetic mapping provides a rational framework for designing biomass-derived carbons tailored for adsorption, catalysis, and energy storage applications.