Thermal treatment of Himalayan balsam: Tar and biochar analysis

Abstract The practicality of Himalayan balsam as an alternative biomass material was considered throughout this investigation. However, due to the materials high-water content, thermal efficiency during pyrolysis was compromised as extra energy was required to remove free and bound water. A simple solution which involved drying at ambient temperature in air, significantly lowered the moisture content, (65% reduction) this resulted in an increase in the bulk density of the material and lowering the thermal energy input of the process. The thermal decomposition process at 300–400 °C generated petroleum like compound; a mixture of volatile aromatic, linear and branched alkanes, and therefore a possible source for replenishment of hydrocarbon-based fuel. The solid remaining carbon generated (~35% mass of dry material) termed biochar showed adsorption properties to rhodamine B dye. The level of activity was increased upon activation using phosphoric acid. The activated biochar could be a promising adsorbent used to remove aqueous organic compounds. The thermal treatment of Himalayan balsam has potential in generating useful products such as bio-fuels and biochar.