Exploring Wild Arachis pintoi Biomass for Sustainable Bioenergy: A Multi-Product Strategy for Biofuel Production

The global energy crisis and environmental concerns have intensified the search for sustainable alternatives. This study investigates the potential of Arachis pintoi (Pinto peanut) as a feedstock for biodiesel, biochar, and syngas production, assessing its suitability for renewable energy applications. The Free Fatty Acid (FFA) content of Pinto peanut oil was found to be exceptionally low at 0.612%, significantly below the 2% threshold for alkaline transesterification, eliminating the need for energy-intensive acid pretreatment. Biodiesel derived from this oil exhibited superior fuel properties, including a calorific value of 40.54 MJ/kg, optimal kinematic viscosity (4.7 mm²/s), and a high flash point (157.5°C), which surpasses ASTM D6751 standards. The syngas produced through pyrolysis at 430°C demonstrated moderate energy output with promising gas composition, though optimization could enhance hydrogen yields and reduce CO₂ emissions. The proximate and ultimate analysis of Pinto peanut shells revealed a high calorific value (16,790 kJ/kg) and favorable elemental composition, making them a viable energy source for combustion. Additionally, the pyrolysis of Pinto peanut shells yielded biochar with a calorific value of 25.235 MJ/kg, positioning it as a promising alternative for various industrial applications. The study highlights the potential of Pinto peanut-derived biofuels and biochar as sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, with further optimization capable of improving yield and performance for broader energy applications.