ADVANCED CARBON FROM ALMOND BYPRODUCTS

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: OTHER GRANTS
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 1023416
• Grant No.: 2020-51181-32063
• Cumulative Award Amt.: $2,494,933.00
• Proposal No.: 2020-02606
• Project Start Date: Sep 1, 2020
• Project End Date: Aug 31, 2024
• Grant Year: 2020
• Program Code: [SCRI]- Specialty Crop Research Initiative

Recipient Organization
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE
800 BUCHANAN ST, RM 2020
BERKELEY,CA 94710-1105

Performing Department
Bioproducts Research Unit

Non Technical Summary
California produces most of the worlds almond supply with very few large-scale viable markets for almond shells with a current market price of approximately about $5/ton. Thus, new outlets are needed to reduce mounting piles of unsold shells and reduce negative environmental and economic effects of the unused almond waste product. Preliminary research shows activated carbons manufactured from almond shells demonstrate extremely desirable pore structures that are advantageous for advanced carbon applications including Li-ion battery, ultracapacitor, and absorbed natural gas storage. The market for advanced energy storage carbon applications is typically $50-100/kg. This project proposes to investigate process optimization, economic and environmental impact, and scale-up of manufacturing advanced carbon from almond shells. If economic and technological advantages are achieved, we expect this project will result in significant new markets for almond byproducts, elimination of the waste problem, and new revenue for almond growers and processors.

Animal Health Component

50%

Research Effort Categories

Basic

0%

Applied

50%

Developmental

50%

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
403	1212	2020	100%

Knowledge Area
403 - Waste Disposal, Recycling, and Reuse;

Subject Of Investigation
1212 - Almond;

Field Of Science
2020 - Engineering;

Keywords

activated carbon

almond shell

byproduct utilization

profitability

zero waste

Goals / Objectives
California produces 82% of the worlds almonds, resulting in 1.9 billion pounds of kernels, 4.5 billion pounds of hulls, and 1.5 billion pounds of shells with almost no market outlets for the shells. There are very few large-scale viable markets and current market price for shells is about $5/ton. Thus, new outlets are needed to reduce mounting piles of unsold shells and reduce negative environmental and economic effects of the unused almond waste product. Preliminary research by Living Nanotech shows activated carbons manufactured from almond shells demonstrate extremely desirable pore structures that are advantageous for advanced carbon applications including lithium ion battery, ultracapacitor, and absorbed natural gas storage. The market for advanced energy storage carbon applications is typically $50-100/kg. This project proposes to investigate process optimization, economic and environmental impact, and scale-up of manufacturing advanced carbon from almond shells. If economic and technological advantages are achieved, we expect this project will result in significant new markets for almond byproducts, elimination of the waste problem, and new revenue for almond growers and processors.Primary goals for the project include:Develop lab processes for manufacturing activated carbon for Li-ion battery, ultracapacitor, and ANG applicationsOptimize thermal, gas, and dwell time methods to achieve precursor for both micro- and meso- porous carbon structures for each applicationOptimize grinding and separation methods to achieve desired particle size distributions (PSD) for packing and density of material for each applicationOptimize surface treatment to maximize performance for each applicationDemonstrate pilot scale processes for activated carbon materialsTest performance of activated carbon in Li-ion, ultracapacitor, and ANG applicationsTechno-economic analysis of carbonization and activation of almond shells for ultracapacitor, gas adsorption storage, and Li-ion battery applications.Transfer the technology to the nut industry and carbon materials industriesPublishresearch resultsThe overall project objectives (PO) are listedbelow. This coordinated research approach focuses on four critical elements: Lab-Scale Activated Carbon Production, Pilot-Scale Activated Carbon Production, Economic and Environmental Impact, and Extension and Outreach. Our transdisciplinary team will ensure that the research and deliverables are focused on creating market-driven products using sustainable practices.PO1: Lab-Scale Activated Carbon Production 1.1 Optimize lab-scale pyrolysis and activation processes of converting almond shells into activated carbon. 1.2 Produce lab-scale samples of activated carbons that meet specifications for lithium-ion, ultracapacitor, and absorbed natural gas applications, including surface area, pore size distribution, and surface treatment requirements. 1.3 Manufacture and test product prototypes using lab-scale activated carbon.PO2: Pilot-Scale Activated Carbon Production 2.1 Develop pilot-scale pyrolysis and activation processes for converting almond shells into activated carbon. 2.2 Manufacture pilot-scale activated carbons that meet specifications for lithium-ion, ultracapacitor, and absorbed natural gas applications, including surface area, pore size distribution, and surface treatments. 2.3 Manufacture and test product prototypes using pilot-scale activated carbonPO3: Economic and Environmental Impact 3.1 Develop a scalable engineering system model for activated carbon production from almond shells evaluating environmental impact by Life-Cycle Analysis (LCA) and economic feasibility by Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA). 3.2 Interface with regional growers, hullers, and shellers to evaluate economic and environmental impacts.PO4: Extension and Outreach 4.1 Interface with stakeholders and almond + activated carbon industries. 4.2 Publish results in trade and peer-reviewed journals. 4.3 Showcase results and new products at trade shows.

Project Methods
PO2: Lab-Scale Activated Carbon ProductionConversion of almond shells into activated carbon products will be performed using a five-step process:Pyrolysis of Almond Shells (lab-scale): Pyrolysis is a thermal process used to heat a material above its decomposition temperature in a low oxygen environment, typically at temperatures above 500 °C. The pyrolysis step is intended to remove all volatile materials from the almond leaving only the carbon structure and any metal impurities behind. Pyrolysis optimization will be performed by varying time and temperature over a wider range to optimize early pore structure development. Several soft, semi-soft, and hard varieties of almond shell will be compared, and raw shells will be acquired from multiple growers throughout the state of California. Comparison will be made on the difference in the feedstock variety and post-harvest timing as well as biochar and activated carbon products.Activation of Almond Biochar (lab-scale): Physical activation uses a process gas that etches the structure by oxidation of the carbon surface to increase micropore volume without significantly increasing mesopore volumes. By using CO2 as the processing gas for activation, micropores are developed much faster than mesopores. Optimization of this process with include executing design of experiments to measure effect of temperature, dwell time and gas mixture on the development micropores within the structure.Particle Size Optimization: Activated carbon will be reduced in size by milling to optimize the particle size distribution (PSD) for each application. For Li-ion and ultracapacitor applications, carbon particles will be reduced to a mean particle size of 8 µm with a narrow particle size distribution. Adsorbed natural gas requires a mean particle size of 125 µm with bimodal particle size distribution. Milling process experiments will be performed to measure effect of input particle size, milling pressure, and gas temperature have on throughput, economic and energy costs, and final particle size distribution.Surface Treatment: Surface functional groups will be quantified by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy before and after surface treatment. The process temperature, time, process gas will be evaluated in a full factorial experimental design to minimize surface functional groups.Product Testing: Once activated and characterized, the advanced carbon will be bench-tested in energy storage applications to determine viability in commercial Li-ion batteries, ANG or ultracapacitors.For this reason, product bench-testing will be conducted with engineers and scientists at our partner facilities. Samples for each application will be selected based on the fit of physical property characterization results compared to specifications for current products. Materials meeting performance requirements will be used to develop market ready prototypes of almond-derived energy storage products: Li-ion battery cells, ANG, and ultracapacitors.Methods to be Used and FeasibilityAll samples will undergo physical characterization to understand how process conditions effect material properties. The following instruments and methods will be used: CHNSO analyzer, TXRF elemental analyzer, N2/CO2 BET analyzer, pycnometer, scanning electron microscope, proximate analysis, particle size distribution, X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer, and gas chromatography. All results will be analyzed and compared to commercially available coconut-based materials using statistical analysis, and physics based models specifically designed for electrochemical analysis. Measurements will be taken at minimum in triplicate to validate/establish stable processing methods. Established trends will be used to optimize materials performance.PO2: Pilot-Scale Activated Carbon ProductionDescription of Proposed ActivitiesThe goal of PO2 is to increase production of carbon materials developed at lab-scale in PO1 to pilot-scale quantities and throughput (20-100 lbs. per hour of biochar continuously). The main tasks are listed below:Installation and operation of rotary kiln system for pilot-scale production of biochar.Operation of the pilot-scale rotary kiln system for carbon activation to increase surface area and micropore structure.Installation and operation of the pilot-scale jet-mill/classifier system.Operation of the rotary kiln system for surface treatment modification.Li-Ion BatteriesThe silicon-carbon anode will be paired with an appropriately sized cathode and prototype devices will be built in an oxygen-free environment at Group14 Technologies. The devices will be cycle tested between method specified voltages and currents. Energy density and cycle life are the main metrics.UltracapacitorsIoxus, Inc. will manufacture 100 F devices by mixing activated carbon into a slurry with conductivity enhancer, to create low-resistance pathways between the particles, and a binder. The slurry will be coated on both the anode and cathode of the 100 F device using aluminum current collectors. Performance will be based on volumetric capacitance and cycle life metrics.Adsorbed Natural GasCenergy Solutions will evaluate the almond shell activated carbon in the form of a powder. Adsorption characteristics at pressures up to 1500 psi, v/v ratio, and specific density will be measured. The target performance metric is for carbon materials to hold a minimum of 185 v/v.PO3: Economic and Environmental ImpactDescription of Proposed ActivitiesWe will perform Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) using SuperPro Designer software to measure technology cost and economic impact of converting almond shells into advanced carbon at scale. A life-cycle analysis (LCA) model will be developed to measure the environmental impact and assess alternative process methods.Methods to be Used and FeasibilityThe first step for conducting a process-based LCA and TEA will be clearly defining the scope and creating an integrated process model. The LCA will follow ISO 14040 methods, using SuperPro Designer software to develop the model. We will populate the LCA model using primary data from our research activities for product yields, gas composition and flow, collection, storage, preprocessing, and transportation. We will use process models where secondary data is required, e.g., for estimating air emissions from agricultural activities.Our TEA model will use the same process model to develop cost engineering and financial analysis. We will apply TEA to the pyrolysis, activation, grinding, and surface treatment processes as well as any co-product processes to determine annual operating costs, capital costs, and required selling price.PO4: Extension and OutreachDescription of Proposed ActivitiesWe will actively engage with stakeholders including growers, trade associations, and industry who may benefit from the results of this research. Trade organizations are the first line of communication to its members and the public, and we foresee strong interest with our results. Progress reports with detailed technical data will be delivered to the stakeholders. In addition, researchers will publish results in trade journals in order to reach a wider audience. The research will be published in peer reviewed, open-source journals for wide availability. We will showcase results and new products at trade shows and conferences.Methods to be Used and FeasibilityWe will conduct Extension and Outreach activities via face-to-face interactions, facility tours, presentations at conferences and trade shows, and interfacing with almond growers, hullers, shellers, and other almond industry members. We will further plan technical presentations and interfacing with members of the carbon industry at tradeshows, company sites, and conferences to demonstrate products and garner feedback.

Progress 09/01/20 to 08/31/24

Outputs
Target Audience:Agricultural stakeholders interested in optimizing the use of coproducts and food waste; especially the almond producers, represented by the Almond Board of California. Government researchers including agriculturalextension specialists. The packaging industry, especially those interested in sustainably-sourced plastics and/or compostable packaging.Corn growers. Researchers inplastics and those in broader crop utilization sciences. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Year 1: Postdoc has gained training and/or experience in: operation of analytical instruments, laboratory research in pyrolysis and activation of biomass, moderate-to-large size grant program, planning for pilot-scale demonstration site and equipment. Postdoc has provided training on operation of analytical instruments to collaborators. Year 2: Pilot site training, trained collaborators on CHNSO Analysis, Elemental analysis, Helium pycnometry, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, particle size distribution, X-ray diffractometry, PyGCMS. Year 3+: TEA/LCA training. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Project concept presented to: Almond Board of California, Almond Conference in Sacramento, USDA Food Loss and Waste Innovation Virtual Fair, American Chemical Society, Agriculture Outlook Forum, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Exxon International, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Emprapa), Exxon International, Ministry of Science and Technology Philippines, and various university and industrial collaborators, including: ACS South East Regional Meeting, SERMACS 2022, in Puerto Rico, October 19-22, 2022; ABLCNext, 2022, San Francisco, CA, Oct 26-28, 2022; 2nd USDA Food Loss and Waste Innovation Fair September 14, 2022; ACS Fall Meeting, 2022, Chicago, IL, Aug 21 - 25, 2022; Value Chain Stakeholder Meeting on Renewable Packaging, workshop sponsored by the National Corn Growers, Monday, June 6th, Washington, DC; 2022 USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum: Feb 24th, 2022; Presentation to Plastics Researchers in the Philippines (~245 attendees), sponsored by Philippine's Department of Science & Technology (DOST), organized via the US Embassy, Research Staff. Nov. 15, 2021 and November 2023. Results and prototype materials were displayed at the Agricultural Outlook Forum February 2024 (torrefied almond shells in rubber products) and February 2025(torrefied almond shells in bioplastic and recycled plastic products) at the ARSexhibitors' booths highlighting "Commercialized USDA Research". What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Year 1: Setup agreements, acquired almond shell varieties, purchased lab instruments & equipment, began pyrolysis and activation studies, characterization of pyrolyzed products, activation of biochar, design of lab-scale experiments, design of pilot scale equipment, plan for acquisition of pilot equipment. Year 2: Tristar relocated to USDA February 2022, lab-scale pyrolysis and activation processes, began development of a scalable engineering system model for LCA and TEA, partnership initiated in July 2022 with Puragen, project planning for site installation of pilot system, pilot system setup and layout at the pilot site, pilot facilities electrical service improvements, two rotary kilns with support equipment delivered in February 2022 to pilot site, installation and integration of kiln systems, installation of oxidizer system, design and installation of ventilation system, pyrolysis and activation conditions identified for transfer to pilot-scale production. Year 3+: Preparation of journal article on comparison of almond, walnut, and commercial activated carbons for methylene blue adsorption (in-progress), study of biodegradation of almond and walnut shells, thermally treated and untreated, in compost (in-progress), study of trichloropentane adsorption using almond shell and walnut shell activated carbon (in-progress), study of properties of gluten foams using additives (including almond shell, walnut shell, torrefied almond shells, torrefied walnut shells) (in-progress),development of Water Barrier Materials using Chitosan and Torrefied Nutshells (in-progress), Elemental analysis of valuable byproducts by TXRF spectrometry to be presented at TXRF 2023 in Germany September 5-8, 2023. Rotary kiln brought online and commissioned for pilot production, rotary kiln converted from generator power to building power, pyrolyzed and activated walnut carbon samples in the rotary, multiple meetings with Florent - an east coast company looking to produce ultracapacitors from activated carbon supplied from the almond products provided to them via this project.

Publications

• Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: ACS Sustainable Resour. Manage. 2024, 1, 7, 14211431
• Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Chiou, Bor-Sen; Cao, Trung; McCaffrey, Zach; Bilbao-Sainz, Cristina; Wood, Delilah; Glenn, Greg; Orts, William. Properties of Gluten Foam Composites Containing Different Fibers and Particulates. J Polym Environ 32, 50585070 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-024-03295-5
• Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Torres, LF; McCaffrey, Z.; Williams TG; Wood, DF; Orts, WJ; McMahan, CM. Evidence of silane coupling in torrefied agro-industrial residue-filled poly(styrene-co-butadiene) rubber compounds. J. App. Polym. Sci. Volume140(12). March 20,e53646 2023.

Progress 09/01/22 to 08/31/23

Outputs
Target Audience:USDA administrators, stakeholders, grower groups, CRADA partners, collaborators, national andinternational visitors. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? USDA - Expect to get TEA/LCA training, in the Fall 2023 Training of scientist on use of analytical equipment and development of SOPs Living Nanotech: Three standard operating procedures written for future training purposes Rotary Kiln Operations Thermal Oxidizer Procedure Gas Manifold Testing West Biofuels Site training of project collaborators provided How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? USDA Albany, CA. Presented projects and tour of facility: 12/14-14/2022. Tidal Vision, CRADA partner collaboration visit. 3/15/2023. USDA-REE Under Secretary and USDA Chief Scientist, Dr. Jacobs-Young visit to WRRC, Albany. Presentation and tour of facility. 3/22/2023. Local High School visitors. Presentation and tour of facility. 4/11/2023. Edison High School visitors. Presentation and tour of facility. 4/20/2023. Bryan Eagle, Glanris Biocarbon Biochar, 11042 Wildwood Dr, Olive Branch, MS 38654 visited the WRRC to discuss possibility of collaboration on biochar in their new location in California. The company is interested in doing some trials on almond shells at their facility in MS. Followed up with phone calls. 5/16/2023. USDA ARS PWA Hilo visit. Discussed collaboration. 5/18, 19/2023. Delegates from the Department of Science and Technology (Philippines) hosted by the US Embassy. Presentation and tour of the USDA facility. 6/13/2023. Florent. Potential collaborator. Presentation and tour of facility. 7/28/2023. Bioforcetech. Potential CRADA partner for biochar/activated carbon visit to areas of interest. 8/16/2023. American Chemical Society visit to WRRC. Presentation and tour of facility. Formal Conferences and Workshops: 10/19-22/2022. ACS Puerto Rico Section, San Juan Puerto Rico. Development and application of self-assembled active agents to create sustainable green materials. W. Hart-Cooper, J. McManus, K. Johnson, L. Torres, W.J. Orts 10/26-28, 2022. ABLC Next 2022, San Francisco, CA. W.J. Orts attended. 10/19-22/2022. ACS Puerto Rico Section, San Juan Puerto Rico. Reversible actives: Disinfectant applications, hazard analysis and use in agriculture to prevent mastitis and heal wounds. W. Hart-Cooper, J. Wilson-Welder, J. McManus, L. Torres, X. He, W.J. Orts 11/2022. Safer Made Workshop. W.J. Orts attended. 2/2023. APEC. W.J. Orts attended 5/10/2023. Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI). Perspectives from USDA research....Hot Feedstocks for SAF. 8/13-17/2023. ACS Conference, Zero Waste Symposium, in San Francisco, CA. Presentation: Adding value to almond coproducts: Using "everything but the oink" toward zero waste processing. W.J. Orts, C. McMahan, D.F. Wood, L.F. Torres, Z. McCaffrey, B. Chiou, T. Cao, T.G. Williams, G.D. Patterson, J. McManus. Living Nanotech Multiple pilot-scale activated carbon products made from walnut shell were characterized and the analysis presented to Puragen. West Biofuels Analysis of activated and pyrolyzed product performed by Living Nanotech. Results of this analysis will be used to determine energy content of gas production and completion of system energy balance. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? USDA Publish of journal article on comparison of almond, walnut, and commercial activated carbons for methylene blue adsorption Publish study on biodegradation of almond and walnut shells, thermally treated and untreated, in compost Report on study of trichloropentane adsorption using almond shell and walnut shell activated carbon Publish study on properties of gluten foams using additives (including almond shell, walnut shell, torrefied almond shells, torrefied walnut shells) Publish results from study on Water Barrier Materials using Chitosan and Torrefied Nutshells Report on manufacturing of wallboard from almond shells in collaboration with LSU Living Nanotech Pilot-scale activation of almond shell using fresh harvest of almond shell Completion of TEA/LCA Analysis of activated carbon production Results submitted for publication Submit provisional patent application for gas storage using test results from high pressure gas sorption instrument West Biofuels Continued operations of pilot facility Continued production of pyrolyzed walnut and almond shells Continued production of activated walnut and almond shells Completion of energy balance and analysis of gas production

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? USDA Preparation of journal article on comparison of almond, walnut, and commercial activated carbons for methylene blue adsorption (in-progress) Study of biodegradation of almond and walnut shells, thermally treated and untreated, in compost (in-progress) Study of trichloropentane adsorption using almond shell and walnut shell activated carbon (in-progress) Study of properties of gluten foams using additives (including almond shell, walnut shell, torrefied almond shells, torrefied walnut shells) (in-progress) Development of Water Barrier Materials using Chitosan and Torrefied Nutshells (in-progress) Elemental analysis of valuable byproducts by TXRF spectrometry to be presented at TXRF 2023 in Germany September 5-8, 2023. Manufacturing of wallboard from almond shells in collaboration with LSU (in-progress) Living Nanotech Rotary kiln brought online and commissioned for pilot production Rotary kiln converted from generator power to building power LNT produced several pyrolyzed and activated walnut carbon samples in the rotary kiln from Puragen provided walnut shells and characterized them Puragen performed testing on the LNT produced walnut carbon and are interested in it as a replacement for an existing carbon product they sell Multiple meetings with Florent, an east coast company looking to produce ultracapacitors using activated carbon made from hemp grown in the US by Black and Indigenous farmers. High pressure gas sorption manifold construction completed West Biofuels Successful installation of pilot system Electrical system improved by PG&E and successful integration of onsite power to project Upgraded electrical monitoring system to measure energy consumption during activation and pyrolysis Technical expertise provided towards system setup and layout at the pilot site Facilities gas delivery service improvements for N2 Installation of CO2 gas storage and delivery system Improved exhaust gas system Successful kiln operations which produced activated and pyrolyzed products Successful commission of oxidizer system Successful commission of ventilation system Technical expertise towards feeding systems Initial draft of system energy balance and determination of necessary process variables needed for completion

Publications

Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/22

Outputs
Target Audience:Scientists, stakeholders, government officials, renewable packaging industry, corn growers, plastics researchers Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Training Opportunities During This Reporting Period Pilot site training for project collaborators provided Trained collaborators on CHNSO Analysis, Elemental Analysis, Helium Pycnometry, Scanning electron microscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis, Particle Size Distribution, X-Ray Diffractometry, PyGCMS Three standard operating procedures written for future training purposes: TXRF Elemental Analysis, N2/CO2 BET, Thermogravimetric Analysis How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Presentations During this Reporting Period ACS South East Regional Meeting, SERMACS 2022, in Puerto Rico, October 19-22, 2022 ABLCNext, 2022, San Francisco, CA, Oct 26-28, 2022 2nd USDA Food Loss and Waste Innovation Fair September 14, 2022 ACS Fall Meeting, 2022, Chicago, IL, Aug 21 - 25, 2022 Value Chain Stakeholder Meeting on Renewable Packaging, workshop sponsored by the National Corn Growers, Monday, June 6th, Washington, DC (hybrid meeting) 2022 USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum: Feb 24th, 2022 Presentation to Plastics Researchers in the Philippines (~245 attendees), sponsored by Philippine's Department of Science & Technology (DOST), organized via the US Embassy, Research Staff. Nov. 15, 2021. Discussed Waste Valorization. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Plans for Next Reporting Period Operate pilot facility Producepilot scale biochar Produce pilot scale activated carbon Qualification by Puragen of activated carbon samples produced in the pilot-scale kilns CompleteTEA/LCA Analysis of activated carbon production Submit results for publication Submit provisional patent application for gas storage using test results from high pressure gas sorption instrument

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Lab-Scale Progress Tristar relocated to USDA February 2022 Lab-scale pyrolysis and activation processes of converting almond shells into activated carbon Began development of a scalable engineering system model for activated carbon production from almond shells evaluating environmental impact by LCA and TEA. Partnership initiated in July 2022 with Puragen Activated Carbons, a leading industry seller of carbon products Two Puragen carbon products analyzed Walnut feedstock obtained from Puragen for additional application evaluation Pilot-Scale Progress Project planning for site installation of pilot system Pilot system setup and layout at the pilot site Pilot facilities electrical service improvements Two rotary kilns with support equipment delivered in February 2022 to pilot site Installation and integration of kiln systems Installation of oxidizer system Design and installation of ventilation system Design of gas systems Installation of feeding systems Progress toward interfacing with stakeholders and almond + activated carbon industries Almond shell pyrolysis and activation conditions identified for transfer to pilot-scale production

Publications

Progress 09/01/20 to 08/31/21

Outputs
Target Audience: Nothing Reported Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Postdoc has gained training and/or experience in: operation of analytical instruments, laboratory research in pyrolysis and activation of biomass, moderate-to-large size grant program, planning for pilot-scale demonstration site and equipment. Postdoc has provided training on operation of analytical instruments to collaborators How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Project concept presented to: Almond Board of California, Almond Conference in Sacramento, USDA Food Loss and Waste Innovation Virtual Fair, American Chemical Society, Agriculture Outlook Forum, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Exxon International, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Emprapa), Exxon International, Ministry of Science and Technology Philippines, and various university and industrial collaborators. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue with pyrolysis and activation study in lab Continue extension and outreach activities Begin surface treatment experiments Purchase and install pilot-scale equipment Begin pilot-scale experiments Begin development of TEA model Acquire LCA software and begin LCA modeling

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? First year of the project Setup agreements with subawardees Acquired harvested almond shells (soft, semi-hard, and hard varieties) Purchased lab instruments & equipment (CHNSO analyzer, GCMS, TXRF, pyroprobe, PCs, general lab equip.) Acquired TEA software Began pyrolysis and activation studies for almond shells and hulls: - pyrolysis studies of almond shells, varying temperature and residence time using tube furnace - characterization of pyrolyzed almond shells - activation of almond biochar using physical activation with CO2 - characterization of activated carbon from almond shells and almond hulls Design of experiments for labscale Design of pilot scale equipment Plan for acquisition of pilot equipment

Publications