From waste to resource: maximizing olive pomace valorization through advanced thermal treatment

The present study aimed to investigate the thermochemical treatment of olive pomace carbonization to improve its value and use. For this purpose, experimental procedures were carried out at different temperatures, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 °C, and heating rates, 10 and 20 °C/min, with a residence time of 1 h. The resulting biochar was characterized through physical–chemical analysis, including elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and evaluation of chemical kinetics through temperature and heating rate, as well as its morphology and chemical composition by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. In addition, different applications for biochar were evaluated using the hierarchical analysis method. The results indicated that the 400 °C treatment showed the highest priority for application as a biofertilizer (26% priority vector), while heating rates of 20 °C/min and treatments at 400 and 500 °C showed the highest priority for application as a biofuel (between 44 and 46% priority vector). For application as a biocatalyst, treatments at 300 and 400 °C showed the highest percentage values of the priority vector (27 and 26%, respectively). These results contribute to expanding the possibilities of using olive pomace as a sustainable resource in various areas.