Energy Recovery from Pumpkin Peel Using Microwave-Assisted Pyrolysis

Abstract

The significant quantities of food waste that require disposal have a high environmental impact, and the depletion of non-renewable fuel sources has heightened the need to investigate sustainable and efficient methods of biomass conversion into energy. This research focuses on utilising pumpkin peel as a feedstock for energy recovery through microwave pyrolysis under different operating conditions. The study demonstrated that a higher biochar yield (11 wt%) was achieved at 0.9 kW. However, results revealed that superior quality biochar was obtained at 1.2 kW, characterized by high carbon content (70.33%), low oxygen content (23%), and significant pore formation in the carbon surface area. Optimal operating conditions, such as 1.2 kW, resulted in superior quality biochar and higher bio-oil generation. The pumpkin peel demonstrated the potential for CO2 (carbon dioxide) sequestration, with a rate of 14.29 g CO2 eq/kg. The research findings contribute to the exploration of sustainable solutions for biomass conversion and emphasize the importance of utilizing food waste for energy production while mitigating environmental impacts.