Kinetics of hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of soft rush

• No catalytic effect of citric acid (0.2 kg m−3).
• Similar activation energies for hydrochar and byproduct formation.
• High reaction order (1.53) for hydrochar formation.
• Use high substrate concentrations in a plug flow reactor for high hydrochar yield.

Hydrothermal carbonization of soft rush (Juncus effusus) has been studied in the temperature range of 453–513 K. Citric acid at the concentration of 0.2 kg m−3 did not have a significant catalytic effect. A kinetic model is suggested for substrate hydrolysis and the formation of hydrochar as well as byproducts remaining dissolved. Specifically, increasing hydrochar yield at higher substrate concentration can be described with a reaction order of 1.53 for hydrochar formation from intermediate products.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide