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ABSTRACT

This study investigates the carbon production potential of three agricultural waste materials - corncob, groundnut shell, and coconut shell - through thermochemical conversion. The results show that corncob has the highest carbon yield (45.6%), followed by groundnut shell (42.1%) and coconut shell (38.5%). Process temperature significantly affects carbon yield, with higher temperatures resulting in higher yields. The study demonstrates the feasibility of converting agricultural waste into high-quality carbon products, providing a sustainable solution for waste disposal and energy generation. The findings have implications for the development of sustainable waste management and energy generation practices, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 and 12.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of Study

Carbon is a fundamental element in various industrial processes, including energy production, steel manufacturing, and water filtration (Kumar et al., 2020). The increasing demand for carbon has led to a surge in research focused on identifying alternative sources of this element (Singh et al., 2019). Agricultural waste, including corncob, groundnut shell, and coconut shell, has emerged as a promising source of carbon (Sharma et al., 2020). These waste materials are abundant, renewable, and can be converted into high-quality carbon through various thermochemical processes (Kumar et al., 2020).

Agricultural waste is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, with an estimated 30% of global emissions attributed to agricultural activities (IPCC, 2019). The utilization of agricultural waste as a source of carbon can help mitigate these emissions and promote sustainable development (Sharma et al., 2020). Corncob, groundnut shell, and coconut shell are widely available in Nigeria, with an estimated annual production of 2.5 million metric tons, 1.2 million metric tons, and 0.8 million metric tons, respectively (FAO, 2020).

The use of agricultural waste as a source of carbon can provide several benefits, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved soil fertility, and enhanced energy security (Kumar et al., 2020). Additionally, the production of carbon from agricultural waste can create new economic opportunities for rural communities and promote sustainable agriculture practices (Sharma et al., 2020). However, the conversion of agricultural waste into high-quality carbon requires efficient thermochemical processes, and the selection of the most suitable process is critical to the success of this venture (Singh et al., 2019).

Several studies have investigated the production of carbon from agricultural waste, with a focus on corncob, groundnut shell, and coconut shell (Kumar et al., 2020; Sharma et al., 2020; Singh et al., 2019). These studies have demonstrated the potential of these waste materials as sources of