Transformations in physicochemical properties and pore structure of biochar derived from rice straw revealed by synchrotron techniques
Abstract Rice straw (RS), a major agricultural byproduct in Thailand, holds significant potential for biochar production. This study investigated the physicochemical properties, pore structure, and yield of rice straw-derived biochar (RSBC) produced using a traditional drum kiln, compared to raw RS....
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Nature Portfolio
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Scientific Reports |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-08772-y |
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| author | Saowalak Somboon Samuel Schlichenmaier Kanjana Thumanu Phakkhananan Pakawanit Sujitra Yodda Tanabhat-Sakorn Sukitprapanon Phrueksa Lawongsa |
| author_facet | Saowalak Somboon Samuel Schlichenmaier Kanjana Thumanu Phakkhananan Pakawanit Sujitra Yodda Tanabhat-Sakorn Sukitprapanon Phrueksa Lawongsa |
| author_sort | Saowalak Somboon |
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| description | Abstract Rice straw (RS), a major agricultural byproduct in Thailand, holds significant potential for biochar production. This study investigated the physicochemical properties, pore structure, and yield of rice straw-derived biochar (RSBC) produced using a traditional drum kiln, compared to raw RS. Synchrotron-based X-ray tomographic microscopy (XTM) was employed to characterize changes in pore type, size, and volume. The pyrolysis of RS resulted in a 70% mass reduction; however, RSBC exhibited significantly higher fixed carbon content, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and water-holding capacity (WHC), attributed to increased aromatic functional groups following lignin enrichment and the decomposition of cellulose and hemicellulose. Synchrotron-based XTM analysis revealed an 18% increase in total porosity, driven by a 19% rise in open-pore porosity and a 91% reduction in closed-pore porosity. Additionally, macropore volume (> 100 μm) expanded by 271%, leading to a 267% increase in total pore volume. These structural modifications, particularly the enhanced open-pore porosity and macropore expansion, along with the formation of aromatic and phenolic functional groups, are key contributors to the improved WHC and CEC observed in RSBC. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of rice straw-derived biochar produced via traditional drum kiln pyrolysis as an effective soil amendment, offering a viable alternative to agricultural waste management in rice cultivation systems. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-45c12895387f48d3add4ae43d42003af |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2045-2322 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
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| series | Scientific Reports |
| spelling | doaj-art-45c12895387f48d3add4ae43d42003af2025-08-20T03:37:22ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-07-0115111310.1038/s41598-025-08772-yTransformations in physicochemical properties and pore structure of biochar derived from rice straw revealed by synchrotron techniquesSaowalak Somboon0Samuel Schlichenmaier1Kanjana Thumanu2Phakkhananan Pakawanit3Sujitra Yodda4Tanabhat-Sakorn Sukitprapanon5Phrueksa Lawongsa6Department of Soil Science and Environment, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen UniversityResearch Institute of Organic AgricultureSynchrotron Research and Applications Division 111, Synchrotron Light Research Institute (Public Organization)Synchrotron Research and Applications Division 111, Synchrotron Light Research Institute (Public Organization)Program on System Approaches in Agriculture for Sustainable Development, Department of Agricultural Extension and Agricultural Systems, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen UniversityDepartment of Soil Science and Environment, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen UniversityDepartment of Soil Science and Environment, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen UniversityAbstract Rice straw (RS), a major agricultural byproduct in Thailand, holds significant potential for biochar production. This study investigated the physicochemical properties, pore structure, and yield of rice straw-derived biochar (RSBC) produced using a traditional drum kiln, compared to raw RS. Synchrotron-based X-ray tomographic microscopy (XTM) was employed to characterize changes in pore type, size, and volume. The pyrolysis of RS resulted in a 70% mass reduction; however, RSBC exhibited significantly higher fixed carbon content, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and water-holding capacity (WHC), attributed to increased aromatic functional groups following lignin enrichment and the decomposition of cellulose and hemicellulose. Synchrotron-based XTM analysis revealed an 18% increase in total porosity, driven by a 19% rise in open-pore porosity and a 91% reduction in closed-pore porosity. Additionally, macropore volume (> 100 μm) expanded by 271%, leading to a 267% increase in total pore volume. These structural modifications, particularly the enhanced open-pore porosity and macropore expansion, along with the formation of aromatic and phenolic functional groups, are key contributors to the improved WHC and CEC observed in RSBC. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of rice straw-derived biochar produced via traditional drum kiln pyrolysis as an effective soil amendment, offering a viable alternative to agricultural waste management in rice cultivation systems.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-08772-y |
| spellingShingle | Saowalak Somboon Samuel Schlichenmaier Kanjana Thumanu Phakkhananan Pakawanit Sujitra Yodda Tanabhat-Sakorn Sukitprapanon Phrueksa Lawongsa Transformations in physicochemical properties and pore structure of biochar derived from rice straw revealed by synchrotron techniques Scientific Reports |
| title | Transformations in physicochemical properties and pore structure of biochar derived from rice straw revealed by synchrotron techniques |
| title_full | Transformations in physicochemical properties and pore structure of biochar derived from rice straw revealed by synchrotron techniques |
| title_fullStr | Transformations in physicochemical properties and pore structure of biochar derived from rice straw revealed by synchrotron techniques |
| title_full_unstemmed | Transformations in physicochemical properties and pore structure of biochar derived from rice straw revealed by synchrotron techniques |
| title_short | Transformations in physicochemical properties and pore structure of biochar derived from rice straw revealed by synchrotron techniques |
| title_sort | transformations in physicochemical properties and pore structure of biochar derived from rice straw revealed by synchrotron techniques |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-08772-y |
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