Enhanced efficiency in date seed biorefinery: The role of CTAB

Date seeds are a viable biomass resource for pyrolysis due to their organic content; however, using them directly without pretreatment may lead to poor yields and product quality, especially in uncontrolled and uncatalyzed environments. Therefore, this research aims, for the first time, to use the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide surfactant (CTAB) as a novel treatment for date seeds and to investigate its effects on yield, characteristics, and the composition of the resulting pyrolysis products. The feedstock was pretreated with CTABat different concentrations (1–2%) to modify surface properties and enhance biomass porosity for improved mass and heat transfer, as well as reaction efficiency. Pyrolysis experiments were carried out at moderate temperatures (300-400 °C) with different feedstock particle sizes under a nitrogen atmosphere. A bio-oil yield higher than 50 wt.% was obtained at pyrolysis temperatures higher than 350 °C. In contrast, higher biochar yields of more than 30 wt.% were obtained at the lower temperature (300 °C) and decreased as the temperature increased. Results also indicated that CTAB pretreatment, along with varying date seed particle sizes, had considerable effects on product yield and quality, with mitigation of secondary undesirable reactions. The products demonstrated notable characteristic features. This research presents an innovative solution for managing agricultural residues by converting them into energy and other useful resources, addressing both waste management and renewable energy strategies. The finding that date seed residues can serve as a resource for biofuel production and activated carbon manufacture aligns with circular economy concepts.