Bioenergy and Value-Added Chemicals of Banana Peel Waste (BPW): Deeper Insights from Thermal Kinetics, Thermodynamics, In-Situ Volatile Products Analysis, and Bio-Chars Application for Cd(II) Highly-Efficient Removal

This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the physicochemical properties of banana peel waste (BPW) and its potential for thermochemical conversion into bioenergy and value-added chemicals, supported by the results of kinetics, thermodynamics, in-situ volatile products, and biochar analysis. The physicochemical analysis confirms its potential as a source of renewable fuels and valuable chemicals. Subsequently, based on the TGA outcomes, both kinetic and thermodynamic analysis were conducted. The average activation energy (226-257 kJ mol-1),- 1 ), high heating value (19.56 MJ kg- 1 ), Gibbs free energy (118-149 kJ mol-1),- 1 ), and enthalpy change (222-252 kJ mol-1)- 1 ) all underscore the substantial potential of BPW for bioenergy production and its compatibility for co-pyrolysis with other waste materials. Moreover, Py-GC/MS analysis reveals that the pyrolysis of BPW primarily yields volatile products such as acids, aldehydes, alcohols and ketones, offering a potential source of value-added chemicals. Furthermore, the residual solid biochar exhibits an impressive maximum adsorption capacity of 360.18 mg g- 1 for Cd(II) in aqueous environments, thereby further highlighting the exceptional quality of BPW-derived biochar as a superior adsorbent for heavy metals. In summary, this study holds significant importance in promoting the efficient utilization of BPW and mitigating the environmental pollution resulting from improper disposal.