Unlocking the potential of teak seed waste: carbonization for sustainable resource transformation

Abstract

The importance of carbonizing teak seed waste lies in unlocking its untapped potential for sustainable resource transformation while achieving waste management and converting the waste to more valuable products. This study investigates the production and characterization of teak‐seed biochar employing a top‐lit updraft reactor. The process parameters include a carbonization time of 2 h and a peak temperature of 379 °C, resulting in a substantial yield of 42%. Elemental analysis reveals the biochar's composition, consisting of 77.20% carbon and 18.79% potassium, positioning it as a valuable resource with versatile applications. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis showcases a rich variety of functional groups within the biochar, including alcohols, carboxylic and phenolic groups, amides, and various hydrocarbon structures, signifying its multifaceted potential for applications like the adsorption of aqueous pollutants, soil stabilization, and enhanced ion‐exchange capacity. Textural assessments emphasize its noteworthy surface area (Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) analysis: 190.05 m2g−1; Langmuir: 1664.35 m2g−1), micropore volume (0.069 cm3g−1), and total pore volume (0.097 cm3/g−1), primarily characterized by mesoporous attributes (pore diameter: 2.153 nm), rendering it suitable for various applications. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of surface morphology reveals a rough texture embellished with various‐sized and shaped particles, distinguished by their silvery, shiny appearance, which is attributed to the biochar's elemental composition, particularly the presence of potassium. These findings underline the promising potential of teak seed biochar across multiple applications, including agriculture, wastewater treatment, and environmental remediation.