Research.

The Pyrolysis Process

According to sources, there are more than 20 million tons of coconut husks produced by coconut processing companies and local sellers, most of which goes to waste or is burned, releasing harmful CO₂ into the air. However, our research showed that by harnessing the power of exothermic pyrolysis processes, we can convert the biomass into carbon without the production of CO₂. For ordinary exothermic combustion processes, biomass is burned using the following equation:

C_xH_{y (s)} + O_{2 (g)} → CO_{2 (g)} + H₂O_(l)

As shown in the above equation, CO₂ gas (bolded) is produced as a byproduct of the reaction, leading to harmful greenhouse gasses being released. This is what happens when ordinary coconut husks are burned in air. However, exothermic pyrolysis undergoes the following reaction:

C_xH_{y (s)} → C_{(s, biochar)} + H₂O_(l)

By burning the coconut husk without the presence of oxygen, it forces the organic material to convert into purely carbon material (bolded) with zero CO₂ produced. In other words, by doing a controlled conflagration within a chamber (that is, in the pyrolysis machine), it allows us to convert coconut husks into biochar.

Biochar Use in Rockets and Space Technology

It is no secret that biochar is a highly renewable and effective fuel source, being used as a coal alternative and a natural fertilizer. However, here at BioVentures, we believe in pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the name of sustainability.

Specifically, biochar's unique properties also make it an intriguing candidate for use as fuel in rockets and future space technology. Its potential lies in its abundant availability, sustainability, and versatility, which align with the goals of space exploration focused on efficiency, resourcefulness, and minimizing environmental impact. Biochar's composition as a lightweight, carbon-based substance is favorable for propulsion technology. When combined with oxidizers in controlled environments, biochar could serve as a renewable propellant. Unlike traditional fossil fuels, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and require complex production processes, biochar can be produced from waste biomass, making it a more eco-friendly alternative. Moreover, biochar's high porosity allows it to serve as a medium for storing additional energy or other reactive substances, which could further enhance its potential as a hybrid rocket fuel component.

In space missions where resources are scarce, the ability to generate biochar from organic waste produced during long-term space missions presents an exciting opportunity for closed-loop life support systems. Biochar could be produced on-site, reducing the need for carrying heavy fuel reserves from Earth. By integrating biochar into in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) strategies, astronauts may be able to convert biological waste into a functional fuel source for propulsion, reducing the dependency on Earth-based supplies and enabling longer missions to distant destinations, such as Mars.

In addition to propulsion, biochar's carbon structure offers opportunities in advanced space technologies, such as energy storage systems, heat shields, and structural materials. Its thermal stability and resilience under high temperatures could make it suitable for insulating spacecraft or developing composite materials that are both lightweight and durable.

Our research is aiming to prove biochar's usability and efficiency in space travel, and we firmly believe we can make it happen.