The effect of an acid catalyst on the hydrothermal carbonization of sewage sludge

• Published in: Journal of environmental management Vol. 345; p. 118820
• Main Authors: Wilk, Małgorzata, Śliz, Maciej, Czerwińska, Klaudia, Śledź, Małgorzata
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.11.2023
• Subjects: Catalyst; Hydrochar; Hydrothermal carbonization; Post-processing water; Sewage sludge; Sulphuric acid; Hydrochar; Hydrothermal carbonization; Sewage sludge; Catalyst; Post-processing water; Sulphuric acid
• ISSN: 0301-4797; 1095-8630
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118820

This research is focused on the addition of a catalyst, sulphuric acid (VI), to sewage sludge, and its effect on solid and liquid products resulting from the hydrothermal carbonization process. Consequently, for hydrochars, proximate and ultimate analyses, higher heating value and specific surface area were determined. Additionally, Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometric and thermogravimetric analyses were conducted. The heavy metal contents in the ash composition of hydrochars were identified by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. It was confirmed that the catalyst addition changed the structure as well as the physical and chemical properties of hydrochars and their ashes. Regarding post-processing water, both pH value and conductivity were determined and the element composition, including heavy metals, was conducted by the inductively coupled plasma optical emission and mass spectrometry analyses. It was found that the addition of the catalyst caused a decrease in heavy metal contents and an increase of phosphorus compound in filtrates. [Display omitted] •Fuel properties of hydrochars were not significantly affected by acid catalyst.•Hydrochars combust earlier at a higher temperature in a shorter period of time.•SSA, SEM-EDS and FTIR proved degradation of hydrochars structure caused by catalyst.•Acid catalyst affected migration of heavy metals from solid to liquid product.•HTC_pH = 2 caused significant migration of P from hydrochar to post-processing water.