In the heart of Cameroon, researchers are turning sawdust into a promising source of biofuel, offering a glimpse into a more sustainable future for the energy sector. Sametah Collins Ghotoneton, a researcher at the National Advanced School of Mines and Petroleum Industries, The University of Maroua, has led a study that could reshape how we view waste biomass, particularly Triplochiton scleroxylon, commonly known as Ayous, a species abundant in African forests.
The study, published in the journal “Sustainable Chemistry for the Environment,” focuses on optimizing biofuel production from Ayous sawdust using microwave-assisted pyrolysis and hydrocracking. This process not only enhances the yield of bio-oil but also makes the production more cost-effective and scalable. “We aimed to find the sweet spot in the pyrolysis process where we could maximize bio-oil output while minimizing costs,” Ghotoneton explains. “Our findings suggest that Ayous sawdust is a viable and promising feedstock for biofuel production.”
The research involved a detailed physicochemical analysis of the sawdust, revealing its high volatile content (74.2%) and low ash content (2.9%), making it an ideal candidate for bio-oil formulation. Using response surface methodology, the team examined various pyrolysis determinants, including microwave power, irradiation time, and the percentage of biochar used for wave absorption. The optimal conditions for bio-oil production were found to be a microwave power of 650W, 20 minutes of irradiation, and 20% absorbent intake, yielding a peak bio-oil output of 34.6%.
The resulting bio-oil had a pH of 4.8, a water content of 22%, and a heating value of 17.5 MJ/kg. These properties make it a suitable candidate for further upgrading into gasoline and biodiesel. The study’s hydrocracking design perspectives forecasted a production of 183.7 kg/h of gasoline and 35.9 kg/h of biodiesel from 1 ton/h of sawdust, with a total production cost of 163,848.183 CFA francs.
The commercial implications of this research are significant. As the world seeks to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, the ability to convert waste biomass into high-quality biofuels offers a sustainable and economically viable alternative. “This research opens up new possibilities for the energy sector,” says Ghotoneton. “By optimizing the pyrolysis process, we can make biofuel production more efficient and cost-effective, paving the way for larger-scale implementation.”
The study’s findings could also have a profound impact on the forestry industry. Ayous sawdust, often considered a waste product, could become a valuable resource, providing an additional revenue stream for sawmills and contributing to a circular economy.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, research like Ghotoneton’s highlights the importance of innovation and sustainability. By turning waste into a valuable resource, we can reduce our environmental impact and move towards a more sustainable future. The journey towards sustainable energy is complex, but with each breakthrough, we take a step closer to a cleaner, greener world.