Bioenergy potential from Ecuadorian lignocellulosic biomass: Physicochemical characterization, thermal analysis and pyrolysis kinetics

Lignocellulosic biomass offers a sustainable and renewable method for producing high-quality fuels and value-added chemicals. In this study, residues from peach palm (top, inner sheath, and meristem), sugarcane (top), and pineapple (mother plant) were characterized based on their physicochemical properties and thermal degradation behavior to estimate their bioenergy potential. The biomass residue kinetic constraints were analyzed using three isoconversional models: the Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO), Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS), and differential Friedman (DF) models. Physicochemical characterization showed the peach palm top's notably high cellulose content of 35.71 ± 0.47 % wt. Calorific values of the residues ranged from 13.73 ± 0.08 to 16.91 ± 0.90 MJ kg⁻¹. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated the carbonaceous and crystalline nature of the biomass residues. Mean activation energy values ranged from 105.02 to 370.10 kJ mol⁻¹ for KAS, 111.50–360.99 kJ mol⁻¹ for FWO, and 108.60–360.27 kJ mol⁻¹ for DF. Finally, thermodynamic analysis revealed the endothermic nature of the pyrolysis process across the entire conversion range for the samples. Overall, these samples demonstrate major potential as feedstock for biorefineries and the development of Ecuador's circular economy.