Biofuel production via slow co-pyrolysis of fresh palm fruit bunches and medical waste plastic using a mobile gasifier-burner system

Abstract

The growing urgency of climate change, coupled with mounting difficulties in solid waste management, has intensified global research efforts and technological advancements directed toward mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and advancing sustainable energy pathways. This study investigates the potential of slow co-pyrolysis as a sustainable approach for biofuel production, focusing on the conversion of fresh palm fruit bunches and medical waste plastic bottles (MWPB) into value-added products with improved fuel quality and broader application potential. The co-pyrolysis process was conducted in a batch reactor heated by a mobile gasifier-burner system (MGBS), providing a renewable heat source. Results demonstrated that increasing the proportion of MWPB significantly enhanced liquid fuel yield, with biogasoline-like distillate (BG) yield rising from 20.2 % to 71.7 %, while Heavy-like oil yield declined from 53.8 % to 12.6 %. The lower heating value (LHV) of BG improved from 41.5 MJ kg⁻¹ to 42.6 MJ kg⁻¹, while biodiesel exhibited an LHV increase from 41.8 MJ kg⁻¹ to 45.2 MJ kg⁻¹, making it a promising diesel substitute. Furthermore, the MGBS demonstrated superior environmental performance, achieving a reduction of 35.0 kg-CO<inf>2</inf>eq kg⁻¹-biofuel in greenhouse gas emissions compared to liquefied petroleum gas and 51.2 kg-CO<inf>2</inf>eq kg⁻¹-biofuel compared to electricity. These results highlight the effectiveness of co-pyrolysis as a sustainable approach for biofuel production, promoting circular economy principles and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.