Characterization and syngas production from downdraft gasification of bio-briquettes made from Lantana Camera L. and Parthenium hysterophorous L. weeds using poultry litter and cow dung as binder

The study investigates the characteristics of biomass briquettes made from different proportions of Lantana Camera L. and Parthenium hysterophorous weeds, poultry litter, and cow dung as binder. About 30 blends were created and tested. The briquettes made from cow dung showed better durability and fuel ratio. The Shalter Index was maximum at 50–75% for Lantana Camara L. and 4% cow dung as binder. Thermogravimetric analyses were conducted for combustion profiles of biomasses with three main stages of mass loss. Experiments were conducted for gasification, with four different equivalence ratios (ER) applied. The highest hydrogen percentage (21%) was observed at ER 0.26, 6% poultry litter, and a blend of 25% Lantana Camara L. and 75% Parthenium hysterophorus L. The maximum CO% and methane percentage were achieved at ER 0.26, resulting in 3.1% production. Cow dung performed better than poultry litter as a binder, with most blends showing over 50% higher gasification efficiency. These material combinations have not been previously explored. This study addresses a gap by offering insights into the effective use of weeds and animal waste for syngas production through downdraft gasification.