Utilizing Indonesian Empty Palm Fruit Bunches: Biochar Synthesis via Temperatures Dependent Pyrolysis

Biomass, though a major energy source, remains underutilized. Biochar from biomass pyrolysis, with its high porosity and surface area, is especially useful as catalyst support, enhancing catalytic activity and reducing electron recombination in photocatalysis. Indonesia, the world’s top palm oil producer, generated around 12 million tons of empty fruit bunches (EFBs) in 2023, making EFBs a promising biochar source. This study synthesizes biochar from leftover EFB fibers at 500, 800, and 1000 °C, analyzing structural changes via infrared and Raman spectroscopy, along with particle size and surface area analysis, laying the groundwork for future biochar research. The smallest particle size and highest surface area gained was 71.1 nm and 10.6 × 10² m²/g. Spectroscopic analysis indicates that biochar produced at 1000 °C has produced nano-crystalline graphite with a crystallite size of approximately 5.47 nm. This provides higher defect density, although with lower conductivity. Other studies indicate that our biochar can be used as catalyst support for various green energy-related applications, i.e., counter electrodes, electrocatalysts, and photocatalysts.