Investigation on the Potential and Suitability of Novel Plantain Peel Biomass for Energy Production

Abstract

Biomass, particularly agricultural waste, has emerged as a highly attractive alternative fuel source for domestic and industrial applications. This study investigates the suitability and potential of plantain peel biomass (PPB) as a viable feedstock for bioenergy production. The PPB was comprehensively characterized using proximate and ultimate analyses, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Experimental results indicate that the weight ratio of plantain peel (skin) to unpeeled plantains ranges from 27% to 47%. Proximate analysis of the PPB yielded volatile matter (VM) of 65.8% and fixed carbon (FC) of 14.5%, suggesting substantial energy potential. The ultimate analysis results, conducted on a dry, ash-free basis, were used to determine the biomass higher heating value (HHV), which ranged from 13.93 to 16.35 MJ/kg. TGA showed that the thermal decomposition of PPB is typical of lignocellulosic biomass, occurring in three distinct stages over a temperature range of 25 to 1000 °C. FTIR spectroscopy identified O-H and C-H as key functional groups present in the PPB, further supporting its viability for biofuel production. Furthermore, SEM micrographs revealed a porous surface texture with heterogeneous particle sizes and shapes. At the same time, EDS confirmed carbon (C), potassium (K), and oxygen (O) as the dominant elements, alongside trace amounts of magnesium (Mg), silicon (Si), phosphorus (P), chlorine (Cl), and iron (Fe). In conclusion, PPB represents a promising and sustainable feedstock for biofuel production in both domestic and industrial sectors.