An Optimized Method for Evaluating the Preparation of High-Quality Fuel from Various Types of Biomass through Torrefaction

The pretreatment for torrefaction impacts the performance of biomass fuels and operational costs. Given their diversity, it is crucial to determine the optimal torrefaction conditions for different types of biomass. In this study, three typical solid biofuels, corn stover (CS), agaric fungus bran (AFB), and spent coffee grounds (SCGs), were prepared using fluidized bed torrefaction. The thermal stability of different fuels was extensively discussed and a novel comprehensive fuel index, "displacement level", was analyzed. The functional groups, pore structures, and microstructural differences between the three raw materials and the optimally torrefied biochar were thoroughly characterized. Finally, the biomass fuel consumption for household heating and water supply was calculated. The results showed that the optimal torrefaction temperatures for CS, AFB, and SCGs were 240, 280, and 280 °C, respectively, with comprehensive quality rankings of the optimal torrefied biochar of AFB (260) > SCG (252) > CS (248). Additionally, the economic costs of the optimally torrefied biochar were reduced by 7.03-19.32%. The results indicated that the displacement level is an index universally applicable to the preparation of solid fuels through biomass torrefaction. AFB is the most suitable solid fuel to be upgraded through torrefaction and has the potential to replace coal.

Chitin/corn stalk pith sponge stimulated hemostasis with erythrocyte absorption, platelet activation, and Ca2+-binding capabilities

Chitin (CT) is widely used as a hemostatic material in surgical sponges, although its efficacy needs improvement to promote the clotting process. In this study, another green biomass, corn stalk pith (CSP), was incorporated into CT through ball milling to fabricate CT-CSP composite hemostatic sponges to enhance erythrocyte absorption, platelet activation, and clotting factor accumulation (Ca²⁺). In vitro hemostatic analysis indicated that CSP incorporation greatly promoted the coagulation process, with a much lower blood clot index and higher blood clot stability. In addition, the composite sponge promoted more platelet adhesion and activation, and the composite sponge demonstrated a greater ability to bind clotting factors (Ca²⁺). Consistently, it achieved complete hemostasis with less blood loss and a shorter hemostatic time in a rat liver injury-model. This composite hemostatic sponge is sustainable, cost-efficient, and biocompatible, which highlight the excellent translational potential in clinical settings.