Characterization of Pyrolysis Oil Extracted from High Lignocellulosic Groundnut Shell Biomass

Fossil fuel reserves are swiftly depleting when consumer demand for these fuels continues to rise. In order to meet the demand and diminish the pollution derived through conventional fuels, it is crucial to employ cleaner fuels made from substitutes such as waste biomass. Also, converting waste biomass to fuel can lower usage of landfills. There are many biomass resources that are suitable for fuel production, out of which groundnut is also a potential feedstock. Groundnut shell biomass was chosen for this study, as it is a waste leftover during shelling of groundnuts for various commercial applications. The procured groundnut shells were converted to oil using pyrolysis process and was distilled. Both the pyrolysis oil and the distilled oil were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared instrument wherein the presence of functional groups such as alcohols, amines, and carboxylic acids were identified. Further analysis of the distilled oil using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry indicates that major peaks correspond to phenolic groups. Acetic groups such as vaccenic acid and dicarboxylic acid were also identified in the distilled oil. Physiochemical property tests of distilled oil reveal that the overall qualities were inferior when compared to diesel. Further studies on using groundnut shell distilled oil as a fuel for combustion engine can be done using blend strategy.