Characterization analysis of raw and pyrolyzed plane tree seed (Platanus orientalis L.) samples for its application in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology

Raw and pyrolyzed samples of the plane tree seeds (PTS) were tested by various advanced analytical techniques including simultaneous TG-DSC technique, FTIR analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Raman spectroscopy analysis, GC–MS (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) analysis and scanning electron microscope analysis, for its characterization procedure and the pre-treatments in possible application in CCS. Nondestructive analytical method (XRD) showed that raw material is typical for carbon-rich material, where was identified increase in interlayer spacing within graphite structure. The XRD results of pyrolyzed sample at 850 °C showed a sudden loss in interlayer spacing. Spectroscopic analyses of pyrolyzed sample demonstrated the presence of typical aromatic structures found in amorphous carbon. Results indicate the high levels of the growth in basal planes of graphite structure in pyrolyzed sample. It was established that integrated reaction model parameters for pyrolysis of untreated PTS sample realistically describe active temperature period required for charcoal forming, under non-isothermal conditions. It was found that mechanical treatment of material results in increase in the number of chemical compounds. Micrograph showed the presence of variety of shapes and structures, where after pyrolysis, some dissipated pores were detected. One of these pores was partially blocked in some places, depending on the size of surface area. The results showed that the resulting char has very good features for further activation process, while the PTS would represent a good candidate in its application in the CCS.