Analysis of Surface Area and Pore Size Distribution in Biochar
However, not all pyrolysis processes result in a competitive porous material. This is because there are numerous variables that can impact the porosity of the sample. These include: the type of feedstock, the pretreatment, process conditions, the presence of ash or condensates clogging the pores, and the selected activation method. Therefore, a sample obtained after pyrolysis-like processes needs to be analysed to determine its surface area and pore size distribution in order to reveal the true porous nature of the sample and its most suitable application. We determine the surface area and pore size distribution of carbonaceous samples using a Quantachrome NOVA-e Series 2200e analyser which has been designed to satisfy the procedures outlined in EBC (2012-2022) 'European Biochar Certificate - Guidelines for a Sustainable Production of Biochar.' European Biochar Foundation (EBC), Arbaz, Switzerland. Version 10.1 from 10th Jan 2022.
We also determine the pore size distribution of the samples by the Quenched Solid Density Functional Theory (QSDFT) which is a method that, coupled with computer simulations, provides an accurate description of micro- and mesoporous carbons based on the sorption and phase behaviour of fluids in narrow pores on a molecular level. Furthermore, we provide an interpretation of the sample isotherm for supporting the data obtained from the surface area and pore size distribution analysis.
Click here to read in more detail about these different analysis methods.
Biochar Applications Based on Surface Areas and Porosities
Low Surface Areas
- Defined as a surface area of less than 250 m2/g.
- Soil Amendment - Biochar as a soil additive can improve the fertility, chemistry, and microbial community of the soil. Biochar also contains major and minor elements that are beneficial for plant growing such as nitrogen, potassium, calcium and phosphorus. In addition, biochar can moderate acidic soils, and can also improve the cation exchange capacity of the soil.
- Combustion - Virgin biomass has low heating values due to its high moisture, low energy density, high bulk density, and hygroscopic nature. However, pyrolysed biomass like biochar has higher calorific value and therefore can be used as a solid biofuel for heat and electricity generation.
- Construction Material - Such biochar can be used as a material additive for the construction sector and has the potential to both reduce the high carbon footprint of construction materials as well as to upgrade the physical properties of common construction materials such as thermal conductivity, low flammability and chemical stability.
- Batteries - Biochar with low surface area have the potential to be used for lithium-ion batteries or for the production of supercapacitors. Moreover, amorphous carbons like biochar can be used for making anodes in silicon batteries. Likewise, graphitic carbon nanosheets that are a high added-value product used in electronic devices.
Moderate Surface Areas
- Defined as a surface area of between 250 and 500 m2/g.
- Plant Growth Promotion - Biochar mixed with soil and compost reduces the bulk density of the soil and increases soil porosity and water holding capacity which improves plant growing rates and ultimately crop yield. Moreover, moderate to high surface area biochar holds water for a longer time reducing the irrigation cycles needed per season.
- Composting - Biochar as a compost additive enhances the water holding capacity and aeration of the compost which accelerates the compost production time. Furthermore, biochar has also been used for reducing the gas emissions from the compost which significantly reduces the bad odours associated with domestic compost production.
- Water Treatment - Such biochar can also be used for purifying domestic water in developing countries lacking safe and continuous water supplies. Additionally, biochar can be used to remove pollutants from water, including bacteria, methylene blue, organic waste and inorganics like phosphates and nitrates.
- Tar Removal - During pyrolysis recalcitrant pollutants known as tars are produced. These tars represent a problem since they can cause blockages in the downstream pipelines of the pyrolysis equipment. However, biochar can potentially be used as a catalyst for reducing the formation of such tars.
High Surface Areas
- Defined as a surface area of more than 500 m2/g.
- Pollution Cleanup - Biochar with a high surface area has an adsorption capacity comparable to activated carbon, which makes it suitable as a remediation agent for removing heavy metals such as iron, lead, copper, zinc, and cadmium. However, it should be considered that biochar's absorption capacity not only depends on its surface area because its chemical structure defines its chemical affinity which it's a critical factor for the efficiency of the application.
- Air Cleanup - Biochar can be used as a purification agent in air purification systems for heavy indoor pollution like in the case of industrial activities.
- Capture of CO2 - High surface area biochar can also be used for capturing and storing carbon dioxide through physisorption by making use of biochar for designing carbon nanotubes or carbon molecular sieves.
- Biodiesel Production - Biochar can also be used as a catalyst during the transesterification and esterification process of turning waste oil into biodiesel for alleviating system contamination from pollutants such as sulphur deposition.
- Anaerobic Digestion - High surface-area biochar can also be used in anaerobic digestors for removal of H2S from the combustible gases matrix. Removal of H2S is critical for upgrading the production of biogas. In addition, biochar can improve the hydrogen and methane percentage in the biogas. On the other hand, biochar can also be used in anaerobic digestion for controlling the presence of heavy metals which can represent a threat for the microbial community of the digestor.
The smallest number of datapoints that can be collected are 5 (in analysis package P360) which is insufficent to determine the pore size distribution of the sample. However, package P364 uses 20 datapoints and package P366 uses 40 datapoints, allowing for the analysis of porosity, with an increasing number of datapoints providing improved accuracy in the surface area and porosity analysis.
The analysis can also be done using CO2 as the absorbate for getting an even higher resolution description of the smallest micropores (less than 1.5nm) which are commonly present in carbonaceous materials, such as biochar or activated carbons.
At Celignis we provide highly comprehensive reports for the surface-area and porosity analysis of samples. These reports are provided online, on the Celignis Database, as soon as we obtain the results, as well as in detailed Excel and pdf reports that are provided once the order has been completed. The Celignis Database includes interactive charts, like the examples provided on this page, as well as detailed summary statistics. The final reports also incldue these results along with interpretations of the data, personally written by trained members of the Celignis team.
Particle Size, Bulk Density, Specific Surface Area (Nitrogen Gas Adsorption), BET Isotherm (40 Point Using Nitrogen), Pore Volume (Using Nitrogen), Pore Size Distribution (Using Nitrogen), Pore Size Distribution (Using CO2), BET Isotherm (20 Point Using Carbon Dioxide), Specific Surface Area (CO2 Gas Adsorption), Pore Volume (Using CO2), Average Pore Width (Using Nitrogen), Average Pore Width (Using CO2)
Thernogram - Under Nitrogen, Thermogram - Under Air, Moisture, Inherent Moisture, Ash Content (815C), Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur, Oxygen, Organic Carbon, Inorganic Carbon, Chlorine, Volatile Matter, Fixed Carbon, Specific Surface Area (Nitrogen Gas Adsorption), Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon, Sodium, Titanium, Gross Calorific Value, Net Calorific Value, Ash Shrinkage Starting Temperature (Reducing), Ash Deformation Temperature (Reducing), Ash Hemisphere Temperature (Reducing), Ash Flow Temperature (Reducing)
Edgar Ramirez Huerta
Biochar Project Developer
MSc
Has taken a major role in developing Celignis's capabilities for biochar analysis and project development. His thesis covered the evaluation of high value applications for high-carbon materials.
Kassiani Pliatsika
Plant-Growth Applications
MSc
Passionately believes in biochar for a sustainable bioeconomy. Involved in the development of our tests for assessing the soil-amendment potential and plant-growth effects of biochar.
Global Recognition as Biomass and Biochar Experts
Feedstock Evaluation
Biochar Production
Biochar Analysis
Biochar Combustion Properties
Soil Amendment & Plant Growth Trials
Analysis of PAHs in Biochar
Thermogravimetric Analysis of Biochar
Biochar Upgrading
Biochar for Carbon Sequestration
Technoeconomic Analyses of Biochar Projects
Research Project Collaborations
See our pitches for the 2024 topics.
Click here to view our pitches for involvement in proposals for the 2024 research topics of the Circular Bioeconomy Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE-JU).
Lignin (Klason), Lignin (Acid Soluble), Acid Insoluble Residue, Ash (Acid Insoluble),
As P10 plus protein-corrected lignin, water-soluble sugars, uronic acids, acetyl content and starch.
Glucuronic Acid, Galacturonic Acid, Mannuronic Acid, Guluronic Acid, 4-O-Methyl-D-Glucuronic Acid, Iduronic Acid,
Total Sugars in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Glucose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Xylose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Arabinose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Mannose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Galactose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Rhamnose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Cellobiose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Enzymatic Hydrolysis Kinetics, Cellulose Conversion Yield, Xylan Conversion Yield, Combined Sugar Yield, Cellulose Conversion Rate, Xylan Conversion Rate,
As P121 plus comparisons with data from the non-pretreated original sample, including: Increase in Cellulose Accessibility after Pre-Treatment, Percent Increase in Cellulose Conversion Efficiency, Percent Increase in Cellulose Conversion Rate.
As P9 but on the solid residue after enzymatic hydrolysis.
Formic Acid, Acetic Acid, Levulinic Acid, Furfural, Hydroxymethylfurfural,
Includes all hydrolysate sugars and kinetics in P121 and: Cellulose Conversion Yield, Cellulose Conversion Rate
Includes all hydrolysate sugars and kinetics in P121 and: Xylan Conversion Yield, Xylan Conversion Rate
Total Sugars in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Glucose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Maltose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, a-Amylase Hydrolysis Kinetics, Glucoamylase Hydrolysis Kinetics,
Glucose, Xylose, Fructose, Sucrose, Mannose, Arabinose, Galactose, Rhamnose, Xylitol, Sorbitol, Trehalose, Mannitol, Arabinitol, Glycerol, Raffinose,
Levulinic Acid, Formic Acid, Hydroxymethylfurfural, Furfural, Acetic Acid, gamma-Valerolactone,
Xylobiose, Xylotriose, Arabinobiose, Arabinotriose,
Maltose, Maltotriose, Maltotetraose, Maltopentaose, Maltohexaose, Maltoheptaose, Maltooctaose,
Glucuronic Acid, Galacturonic Acid, Mannuronic Acid, Guluronic Acid, 4-O-Methyl-D-Glucuronic Acid, Iduronic Acid,
Gibberellic Acid, Indole-3-acetic acid, Indole-2-acetic acid, Indole-3-propionic acid, Indole-3-butyric acid, 6-Benzylaminopurine, Kinetin riboside, Abscisic acid, Salicylic acid,
beta-Carotene, Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2), Alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), Phylloquinone (Vitamin K1),
Thiamine (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Niacin (Vitamin B3), Niacinamide (vitamin B3), Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5), Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6), Folate (Vitamin B9), Cobalamin (Vitamin B12), Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C),
Fucose, Mannitol, Glucose, Xylose, Mannose, Arabinose, Galactose, Rhamnose, Total Sugars, Glucuronic Acid, Galacturonic Acid, Mannuronic Acid, Guluronic Acid, Iduronic Acid,
Alanine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Asparagine, Cystine, Glutamic Acid, Glutamine, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Tyrosine, Valine,
Aluminium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon, Sodium, Titanium,
Arachidic Acid, Behenic Acid, Decanoic Acid, Erucic Acid, Lauric Acid, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Myristic Acid, Caprylic Acid, Oleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Palmitoleic Acid, Stearic Acid, Lignoceric Acid,
Fucoxanthin, Astaxanthin, Chlorophyll-c, Chlorophyll-a, Chlorophyll-b, Lutein, beta-Carotene, Neoxanthin, Antheraxanthin, Violaxanthin,
Gibberellic Acid, Indole-3-acetic acid, Indole-2-acetic acid, Indole-3-propionic acid, Indole-3-butyric acid, 6-Benzylaminopurine, Kinetin riboside, Abscisic acid, Salicylic acid,
beta-Carotene, Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2), Alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), Phylloquinone (Vitamin K1),
Thiamine (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Niacin (Vitamin B3), Niacinamide (vitamin B3), Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5), Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6), Folate (Vitamin B9), Cobalamin (Vitamin B12), Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C),
Chlorophyll-a, Chlorophyll-b, Lutein, beta-Carotene, Neoxanthin, Astaxanthin, Zeaxanthin, Antheraxanthin, Violaxanthin,
Biomethane Potential (BMP), Total Biogas Volume, Total Solids, Volatile Solids, pH, Biogas Methane Content, Biogas Carbon Dioxide Content, Biogas Oxygen Content, Biogas Hydrogen Sulphide Content, Biogas Ammonia Content,
Total Solids, Volatile Solids, pH, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Phosphorus, Potassium, Ammonia, Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur,
Residual Biogas Potential (RBP), Total Biogas Volume, Total Solids, Volatile Solids, pH, Biogas Methane Content, Biogas Carbon Dioxide Content, Biogas Oxygen Content, Biogas Hydrogen Sulphide Content, Biogas Ammonia Content,
Acetic Acid, Lactic Acid, Propionic Acid, Butyric Acid, Isobutyric Acid, Valeric Acid, Isovaleric Acid,
Levoglucosan, Cellobiosan, Mannosan, Galactosan, Glucose, Xylose, Mannose, Arabinose, Galactose, Rhamnose, Fucose, Sucrose, Cellobiose, Total Sugars,
31 constituents including Phenol, Furfural, Syringol, and Vanillin
Specific Surface Area (Nitrogen Gas Adsorption), BET Isotherm (5 Point Using Nitrogen),
Specific Surface Area (Nitrogen Gas Adsorption), BET Isotherm (20 Point Using Nitrogen), Pore Volume (Using Nitrogen), Pore Size Distribution (Using Nitrogen), Average Pore Width (Using Nitrogen),
Specific Surface Area (Nitrogen Gas Adsorption), BET Isotherm (40 Point Using Nitrogen), Pore Volume (Using Nitrogen), Pore Size Distribution (Using Nitrogen), Average Pore Width (Using Nitrogen),
Gross Calorific Value, Net Calorific Value, Ash, Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur, Oxygen,
Aluminium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon, Sodium, Titanium,
Antimony, Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Lead, Manganese, Mercury, Molybdenum, Nickel, Vanadium, Zinc,
Ash Shrinkage Starting Temperature (Reducing), Ash Deformation Temperature (Reducing), Ash Hemisphere Temperature (Reducing), Ash Flow Temperature (Reducing),
Moisture, Ash Content (815C), Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur, Oxygen, Chlorine, Volatile Matter, Fixed Carbon, Aluminium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon, Sodium, Titanium, Gross Calorific Value, Net Calorific Value, Ash Shrinkage Starting Temperature (Reducing), Ash Deformation Temperature (Reducing), Ash Hemisphere Temperature (Reducing), Ash Flow Temperature (Reducing),
As P393 plus inorganic carbon, organic carbon, TGA (under nitrogen and air), and inherent moisture
Aluminium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon, Sodium, Titanium,
Antimony, Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Lead, Manganese, Mercury, Molybdenum, Nickel, Vanadium, Zinc,
Acenaphthene, Acenaphthylene, Anthracene, Benz[a]anthracene, Benzo[b]fluoranthene, Benzo[k]fluoranthene, Benzo[ghi]perylene, Benzo[a]pyrene, Chrysene, Dibenz[a,h]anthracene, Fluoranthene, Fluorene, Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, 1-Methylnaphthalene, 2-Methylnaphthalene, Naphthalene, Phenanthrene, Pyrene,
Time to Germination, Mean Shoot Length (Week 1), Mean Shoot Length (Week 2), Mean Shoot Length (Week 3), Mean Shoot Length (Week 4), Shoot Weight (Week 4), Mean Root Length (Week 4), Root Weight (Week 4),
As Deluxe package plus P383, SEM Imaging (P387) and Plant Growth Trials (P388)
Includes everything from P391 (Physical Properties Ultimate), P394 (Thermal Properties Ultimate), and P397 (Soil Amendment Ultimate)
Gross Calorific Value, Net Calorific Value, Ash, Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur, Oxygen,
Aluminium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon, Sodium, Titanium,
Antimony, Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Lead, Manganese, Mercury, Molybdenum, Nickel, Vanadium, Zinc,
Volatile Matter, Fixed Carbon, Moisture, Ash, Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur, Oxygen, Gross Calorific Value, Net Calorific Value, Chlorine,
Ash Shrinkage Starting Temperature (Oxidising), Ash Deformation Temperature (Oxidising), Ash Hemisphere Temperature (Oxidising), Ash Flow Temperature (Oxidising),
Celignis is a Partner in 3 Successful Proposals for EU Funding
We are pleased to announce that three of the proposals involving Celignis, submitted to the CBE-JU programme for funding collaborative biomass research in Europe, were successful. These projects will provide an additional funding of €1.5m to Celignis and build on our achievements in other CBE and EU projects. In particular, the projects are all at enhanced TRLs (6/7) and will use our existing Celignis Bioprocess infrastructure and will also fund further development of our bioprocessing capacities and the Bioprocess Development Services we offer our clients.
Details on the funded projects are provided below:
BIONEER - This project was funded under CBE-JU topic IA-06 and focuses on the TRL 6/7 production of biobased platform chemicals. Celignis's activities in the project focus on scaling up the work undertaken in our ongoing
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The 2024 North American Biochar Conference will take place in Sacramento, California, on Feb 12-15
On Feb 12-15 we'll be exhibiting at the 2024 North American Biochar Conference, taking place at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Centre in Sacramento, California.
We're looking forward to interacting with the 1000+ expected attendees, outlining our extensive range of analytical and application testing services for biochar.
Celignis CIO Lalitha Gottumukkala will also be a member of the expert panel focused on developing improved laboratory methods for biochar characterisation.
Click here to register for the event.
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This Networking Event Will Involve Discussions on Collaborations for Proposals to the 2024 CBE-JU Topics
The Circular Bioeconomy Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE-JU) is an organisation that funds biomass research in Europe at various Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). Since 2016 Celignis has been an active participant in a number of projects funded by the CBE-JU.
The Biobased Industries Consortium (BIC) is the steering committee that helps to steer the focus of research for the CBE-JU programme. In 2023 Celignis joined the BIC as a Full Industry Member and participated in several proposals submitted for different research topics in the CBE-JU's 2023 Work Programme.
On Feb 8th Celignis's Dan Hayes, Lalitha Gottumukkala, and Oscar Bedzo will be attending a BIC networking event in Brussels where we will discuss potential collaborations in the research programme topics recently announced for 2024.
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This position will involve working closely with senior management, fostering existing and new client relationships.
Situated in Limerick, Ireland, Celignis currently operates at two centres, Celignis Analytical and Celignis Bioprocess, actively engaging in a variety of private and public bioeconomy projects. As we continue to expand, we're looking to strengthen our team of 14 with a Business Administration and Client Relationship Manager who can bring a blend of enthusiasm and expertise.
This position will involve working closely with senior management, fostering existing and new client relationships, and ensuring successful delivery of our services, playing a key role in our ongoing growth and success.
Click here for more details about the position.
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The event takes place on May 3rd at Carrick-on-Shannon
We are pleased to announce that, on May 3rd, Celignis will be presenting and exhibiting at the National Biochar and Carbon Products Conference 2023, which is taking place in Carrick-on-Shannon in County Leitrm, Ireland.
This conference is being organised under the auspices of the Interreg Northwest Europe-funded THREE C Project, entitled 'Creating and sustaining Charcoal value chains to promote a Circular Carbon economy in NWE Europe'.
The conference will highlight both Irish stakeholders who are currently working in the biochar and carbon products sector, but also partners from the THREE C project (covering Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Belgium, France and Wales, as well as Ireland) who have interesting stories and products to share.
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