Coffee grounds turned into biochar using plasma flame technology

Researchers from the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources in South Korea have developed a system that uses a plasma flame to convert wet coffee grounds into high-performance biochar in 90 seconds, without any prior drying process — opening the door to solving one of the biggest challenges in biomass recycling and establishing a reliable source of renewable fuel.

The researchers said the system relies on a pyrolysis process using a plasma flame generated by burning liquefied petroleum gas with compressed air at temperatures ranging between 799 and 899 degrees Celsius, enabling wet biomass to be processed directly and converted into biochar.

The team hopes to expand the technology to include food waste and agricultural residues, enhancing the potential for converting waste into energy resources more quickly and at lower cost.