Potencial de obtención de materiales carbonosos a partir de bambú: caso de Costa Rica

Introduction. Bamboo as an agroforestry resource in Costa Rica includes introduced and native species, used in furniture manufacturing, which generates waste with potential to obtain carbonaceous materials. Objective. To analyze technologies and conditions for producing carbonaceous materials from bamboo and their application in a circular economy and bioeconomy model within the context of bamboo cultivation in Costa Rica. Development. The main processes are pyrolysis (slow, medium, and fast) and torrefaction, differentiated by the temperature applied: torrefaction occurs between 200 °C and 300 °C, while pyrolysis takes place between 350 °C and 700 °C. These conditions may vary according to the atmosphere used (CO2, N2, steam, air or minimum oxygen). Among the materials that can be obtained, activated carbon and biochar stand out, with recent research focused on applications in electronics and water treatment, as well as improving their use as fuel. However, many studies do not specify the bamboo species used or standardize the production processes and methodologies, as these depend on the physicochemical composition and region of cultivation. In the country, there is a lack of recent studies on productivity and cultivation areas to estimate the amount of carbonaceous materials that could be generated. Conclusions. There is an opportunity for research on bamboo cultivation in Costa Rica, covering agronomic aspects and the production of carbonaceous materials with high value-added applications, promoting a circular economy and bioeconomy model.