EFFECT OF PYROLYSIS TEMPERATURE ON THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF BIOCHAR DERIVED FROM MELON SEED SHELL

ABSTRACT

Melon seed shell (MSS) was used to produce biochar at different temperatures (300, 350, 400, and 450°C respectively) for 2 hr. The physicochemical properties and surface chemistry of the melon seed shell biochars (MSSB) were analysed using standard procedures. The results obtained indicate that porosity, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, carbon (C) content and some micronutrient increased with temperature. However, the yield, total acidity functional groups, elemental compositions including oxygen (O), and silica (Si) content were decreased with increasing pyrolysis temperature. The FTIR spectra of MSS biochars revealed some variations and also similarities in their functional groups. In addition, the morphology and structure of biochars exhibit notable pore development. These features arise from the varying decomposition rates of hemicelluloses, cellulose, and lignin at different temperature levels.