Biomass conversion to carbon adsorbents and gas

A process is created for the utilization of biomass by producing carbon ads orbents and gas. Carbon adsorbents with alkaline character of the surface, tar and gas products are obtained by steam pyrolysis of biomass (almond she lls, nut shells, apricot stones, cherry stones, grape seeds). Mixtures of t ar obtained during this process and furfural are used for obtaining carbon adsorbents with low ash and sulphur contents and different chemical charact er of the surface. The chemical character of oxygen functional groups on th eir surface reveals that they are polyfunctional cationites. Carbon adsorbe nts obtained have a hydrophilic surface and are suitable for removing metal ions and other pollutants from water. The gas products can be used as ener gy source. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.