Review on Coconut Shell Charcoal Thermal Decomposition Under Low Heat Temperature

Charcoal has been among the alternative energy sources that are used worldwide. The famous feedstock in producing charcoal is normally wood. Yet, due to certain circumstances varieties of raw materials have been used to make charcoal. Even so, suitable processing methods need to be considered so that the feedstock is fully utilized. Major drawbacks that need to be considered for charcoal are in terms of low-density, low fixed carbon, high ash, contamination, moisture content and many more. These problems are addressed and being partially solved by using coconut shell as the feedstock and pyrolysis method as the process of producing coconut shell charcoal. This paper focuses on the works that have been carried out in the last decade for producing charcoal. Different types of material sources are presented with a focus on approaches in developing charcoal. Pyrolysis or thermal decomposition of feedstock under low temperature is believed to prove better characteristics of coconut shell charcoal. This is because by applying indirectly the low temperature heating process could enhance the charcoal benefit. Nevertheless, it is important to be aware of any beneficial nutrient from coconut shell after pyrolysis process or any technologies which can offer better solutions to charcoal problems.