Study on the Utilization of Egg Shells as CO2 Adsorbent in the Combustion Process of Empty Palm Fruit Bunches

Abstract

The problem of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from the combustion of biomass, such as empty palm fruit bunches (TKKS), is a significant challenge in climate change mitigation efforts. This research aims to examine the effectiveness of eggshells as a CO₂ adsorbent in the combustion process of empty palm fruit bunches, and to analyze the effect of adding adsorbent mass on exhaust gas emissions. Eggshells were calcined at 900°C to produce calcium oxide (CaO), then characterized using XRD and Iodine Number tests, and tested in a CO₂ adsorption system using gas flow. The XRD test results showed that calcined eggshells have a crystalline structure with a crystalline level of 93.54%, indicating the dominance of CaO compounds as the active component. The Iodine Number test yielded the highest value of 330.018 mg/g at a mass of 2 grams, which indicates good surface area and porosity. CO₂ adsorption testing showed that an adsorbent mass of 15 grams was able to reduce CO₂ concentration from 974 ppm to 212 ppm, while adding adsorbent mass above 30 grams did not provide a significant reduction due to the increasing initial CO₂ concentration. Overall, the results of this study indicate that eggshells have the potential to be an effective, environmentally friendly, and organic waste-based CO₂ adsorbent. Their utilization can be an alternative simple carbon capture technology for biomass combustion systems, while also supporting sustainable household waste management.