Functional Properties of Corncob-Based Biochar–cellulosic Matrix

Cellulose, the most abundant organic substance on earth can be derived from various plant sources and utilized for various purposes due to its wide range of structural properties. This study investigates the functional properties of biochar cellulosic matrices produced from corncob, focusing on its structural characteristics and potential applications. Corncob, an abundant agricultural waste was utilized to extract cellulose through acid hydrolysis and also to produce biochar through pyrolysis. Biochar-cellulose matrices were developed in varying ratios (0:1, 1:2, 2:3 and 1:1) of biochar to cellulose. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed key structural insights. All samples exhibited characteristic cellulose peaks, including β-(1→4)-glycosidic linkages (849 cm-1 and 1103 cm-1) and extensive hydrogen bonding (3280 cm-1). The 1:0 ratio sample showed the highest crystallinity (1423 cm-1 peak with intensity of 67.95), the other samples (1:2, 2:3 and 1:1) exhibited a distinct peak at 2117 cm-1 suggesting the presence of chemical modifications due to the presence of biochar in these samples. The broad absorption band around 16640 cm-1 associated with O-H bonding suggested that all samples are hydrophilic, this is confirmed by the water absorbing capacity (WAC) results which ranged from 232% to 300% with the 1:1 sample having the highest WAC at 300%. Moisture content analysis revealed slight variations among the samples which ranged from 9.1% to 9.9%. Swelling capacity of the matrices ranged from 16% to 24.33% with the 1:2 sample showing the highest swelling capacity. Solubility was negligible across all samples with values between 0.57% to 0.79%. From the results of these findings, it can be concluded that corncob derived biochar cellulosic matrix can be used for applications requiring high water absorption and retention with the 1:1 sample showing the greatest promise.