In situ SAXS studies of the pore development in biochar during gasification

This work investigates the pore development in biochar during gasification using synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) as an situ characterization technique. The influence of gasifying agents (H2O, CO2 or H2O/CO2) and temperature on structure was studied by carrying out hour-long mallee wood (106–250 μm) in: (i) H2O at 700, 800 900 °C respectively, (ii) 700 °C, (iii) a mixture (H2O/CO2) °C. There minor increase micro- mesopore volumes contrast to same where no measurable changes were observed. At derived from H2O/CO2 exhibited highest specific surface area (SSA). tended produce highly microporous with network showing fractal features. Micropore enlargement major process presence H2O. In this case, evolved being porous branched micropore clusters (pore fractal) dominated rough surfaced mesopores (surface H2O/CO2. evolution structures result different ways which carbon atoms removed either CO2. is more reactive less selective towards reacting biochar, resulting worm-like pores than Moreover, it found that increasing temperatures can lead faster rates generation enlargement, attributed increased reaction rate removal atoms.