Pyrolysis and gasification of energy crops for phytoremediation in Romania’s coal mining region

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The present study evaluates the potential of sorghum, soybean, and corn residues, grown on unproductive soils from a coal mining region, to generate green energy through pyrolysis and gasification, Sharing knowledge in biomass valorization, the study also delivers explicit insights, useful to various stakeholders (local authorities, energy companies, and policymakers) regarding feedstock selection and process optimization, according to their specific goals. the aim is to optimize the composition of the developed synthesis gases, which are rich in H₂ and CH₄, and the energetic properties through the variation of the process conditions. After a comprehensive feedstock characterization, the synthesis gases were continuously investigated through mass spectrometry to assess the chemical properties and calculate the physical ones. The obtained data were analyzed using evolutional charts and statistical tools (Principal Component Analysis, Hierarchical Cluster Analysis), emphasizing the interrelationships between feedstock characteristics and syngas composition. Key findings indicate that sorghum pyrolysis at 800°C−1000°C yielded the highest H₂, while corn generated more CH₄ and CO, along with the highest calorific value. The statistical analysis demonstrated correlations between gas yields and biomass properties (e.g. hemicellulose, C/H, and O/H ratios). Biomass type had a greater influence on each process compared to the temperature.