Date of Publication

8-3-2024

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (Honors) - Ladderized

Subject Categories

Biomechanical Engineering | Engineering | Mechanical Engineering

College

Gokongwei College of Engineering

Department/Unit

Mechanical Engineering

Honor/Award

Nominated for Outstanding Thesis

Thesis Advisor

Aristotle T. Ubando
Wei-Hsin Chen

Defense Panel Chair

Ivan Henderson V. Gue

Defense Panel Member

Laurence A. Gan Lim
Robby B. Manrique

Abstract/Summary

This study explored the sustainable production of microalgal biochar for graphite applications through a life cycle assessment (LCA) of 12 scenarios varying in CO2 source, pre-treatment methods, and pyrolysis temperature. Biomass subjected to two-step torrefaction and pyrolysis at 700°C has the highest carbon content (62.50 wt%), followed by 600°C (62.155 wt%), crucial for graphite application. Scenarios utilizing CO2 from flue gas exhibited net negative greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (-155 to -263 kg CO2-eq), with pyrolysis as the hotspot. Conversely, scenarios using CO2 from gas tanks resulted in positive GHG emissions (600-708 kg CO2-eq), with cultivation as the hotspot. Scenario i, employing flue gas CO2 and the two-step process, emerged as the most environmentally favorable (-256.165 kg CO2-eq) with desirable biochar properties. Future research should explore carbon capture technologies, renewable energy integration, techno-economic analyses, process scale-up, and expanded system boundaries to develop a comprehensive and sustainable microalgal biochar production process.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Keywords

Biochar; Biomass energy; Life cycles (Biology); Biochar—Production control

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Embargo Period

8-23-2027

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Available for download on Monday, August 23, 2027

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