Structural Characterization of Biotar and Biochar Products Obtained by Carbonization of Rhododendron ponticum L.

Rhododendron ponticum L. is a woody biomass commonly found in the Western Black Sea region of Turkey. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of Rhododendron ponticum L. in the energy field. For this purpose, Rhododendron ponticum L. was carbonized in a semi pilot Jenkner carbonization system at a heating rate of 3°C/min at temperatures of 350 and 550°C for 1 h. Structural characterization of the obtained liquid (biotar) and solid (biochar) products was investigated. The chemical characterization of biotar was carried out with elemental and proximate analyses, FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopies. The structural characterization of biochar was also investigated by elemental analysis, proximate analysis, FTIR spectroscopy and SEM images.