Abstract: This disclosure provides a halogenated activated carbon composition comprising carbon, a halogenated compound and a salt. In some embodiments, the halogenated compound and the salt comprise a naturally occurring salt mixture, as may be obtained from ocean water, salt lake water, rock salt, salt brine wells, for example. In some embodiments, the naturally occurring salt mixture comprises Dead Sea salt.

Abstract: Highly mesoporous activated carbon products are disclosed with mesoporosities characterized by mesopore volumes of 0.7 to 1.0 cubic centimeters per gram or greater. Also disclosed are activated carbon products characterized by a Molasses Number of about 500 to 1000 or greater. Also disclosed are activated carbon products characterized by a Tannin Value of about 100 to 35 or less. The activated carbon products may be further characterized by total pore volumes of at least 0.85 cubic centimeters per gram and BET surface areas of at least about 800 square meters per gram. The activated carbon product may be derived from a renewable feedstock.

Abstract: Processes and systems for converting biomass into high-carbon biogenic reagents that are suitable for a variety of commercial applications. Pyrolysis in the presence of an inert gas is employed to generate hot pyrolyzed solids, condensable vapors, and non-condensable gases, followed by separation of vapors and gases, and cooling of the hot pyrolyzed solids in the presence of the inert gas. Additives may be introduced during processing or combined with the reagent, or both. The biogenic reagent may include at least 70 wt %, 80 wt %, 90 wt %, 95 wt %, or more total carbon on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may have an energy content of at least 12,000 Btu/lb, 13,000 Btu/lb, 14,000 Btu/lb, or 14,500 Btu/lb on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may be formed into fine powders, or structural objects. The structural objects may have a structure and/or strength that derive from the feedstock, heat rate, and additives.

Abstract: Processes and systems for converting biomass into high-carbon biogenic reagents that are suitable for a variety of commercial applications. Pyrolysis in the presence of an inert gas is employed to generate hot pyrolyzed solids, condensable vapors, and non-condensable gases, followed by separation of vapors and gases, and cooling of the hot pyrolyzed solids in the presence of the inert gas. Additives may be introduced during processing or combined with the reagent, or both. The biogenic reagent may include at least 70 wt %, 80 wt %, 90 wt %, 95 wt %, or more total carbon on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may have an energy content of at least 12,000 Btu/lb, 13,000 Btu/lb, 14,000 Btu/lb, or 14,500 Btu/lb on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may be formed into fine powders, or structural objects. The structural objects may have a structure and/or strength that derive from the feedstock, heat rate, and additives.

Abstract: This invention provides processes and systems for converting biomass into high-carbon biogenic reagents that are suitable for a variety of commercial applications. Some embodiments employ pyrolysis in the presence of an inert gas to generate hot pyrolyzed solids, condensable vapors, and non-condensable gases, followed by separation of vapors and gases, and cooling of the hot pyrolyzed solids in the presence of the inert gas. Additives may be introduced during processing or combined with the reagent, or both. The biogenic reagent may include at least 70 wt %, 80 wt %, 90 wt %, 95 wt %, or more total carbon on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may have an energy content of at least 12,000 Btu/lb, 13,000 Btu/lb, 14,000 Btu/lb, or 14,500 Btu/lb on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may be formed into fine powders, or structural objects. The structural objects may have a structure and/or strength that derive from the feedstock, heat rate, and additives.

Abstract: Biomass combustion processes may be controlled to intentionally generate a carbon-containing ash, from which activated carbon is produced according to the methods disclosed. Some variations provide an economically attractive process for producing an activated carbon product, the process comprising combusting a carbon-containing feedstock to generate energy, combustion products, and ash, wherein the ash contains at least 10 wt % carbon; separating and recovering carbon contained in said ash; and further activating or treating the separated carbon, to generate an activated carbon product. Many process variations are disclosed, and uses for the activated carbon product are disclosed.

Abstract: Improved processes and systems are disclosed for producing renewable hydrogen suitable for reducing metal ores, as well as for producing activated carbon. Some variations provide a process comprising: pyrolyzing biomass to generate a biogenic reagent comprising carbon and a pyrolysis off-gas; converting the pyrolysis off-gas to additional reducing gas and/or heat; reacting at least some of the biogenic reagent with a reactant to generate a reducing gas; and chemically reducing a metal oxide in the presence of the reducing gas. Some variations provide a process for producing renewable hydrogen by biomass pyrolysis to generate a biogenic reagent, conversion of the biogenic reagent to a reducing gas, and separation and recovery of hydrogen from the reducing gas. A reducing-gas composition for reducing a metal oxide is provided, comprising renewable hydrogen according to a hydrogen-isotope analysis. Reacted biogenic reagent may also be recovered as an activated carbon product. Many variations are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides processes and systems for converting biomass into high carbon biogenic reagents that are suitable for a variety of commercial applications. Some embodiments employ pyrolysis in the presence of an inert gas to generate hot pyrolyzed solids, condensable vapors, and non-condensable gases, followed by separation of vapors and gases, and cooling of the hot pyrolyzed solids in the presence of the inert gas. Additives may be introduced during processing or combined with the reagent, or both. The biogenic reagent may include at least 70 wt %, 80 wt %, 90 wt %, 95 wt %, or more total carbon on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may have an energy content of at least 12,000 Btu/lb, 13,000 Btu/lb, 14,000 Btu/lb, or 14,500 Btu/lb on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may be formed into fine powders, or structural objects. The structural objects may have a structure and/or strength that derive from the feedstock, heat rate, and additives.

Abstract: Highly mesoporous activated carbon products are disclosed with mesoporosities characterized by mesopore volumes of 0.7 to 1.0 cubic centimeters per gram or greater. Also disclosed are activated carbon products characterized by a Molasses Number of about 500 to 1000 or greater. Also disclosed are activated carbon products characterized by a Tannin Value of about 100 to 35 or less. The activated carbon products may be further characterized by total pore volumes of at least 0.85 cubic centimeters per gram and BET surface areas of at least about 800 square meters per gram. The activated carbon product may be derived from a renewable feedstock.

Abstract: Processes and systems for converting biomass into high-carbon biogenic reagents that are suitable for a variety of commercial applications. Pyrolysis in the presence of an inert gas is employed to generate hot pyrolyzed solids, condensable vapors, and non-condensable gases, followed by separation of vapors and gases, and cooling of the hot pyrolyzed solids in the presence of the inert gas. Additives may be introduced during processing or combined with the reagent, or both. The biogenic reagent may include at least 70 wt %, 80 wt %, 90 wt %, 95 wt %, or more total carbon on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may have an energy content of at least 12,000 Btu/lb, 13,000 Btu/lb, 14,000 Btu/lb, or 14,500 Btu/lb on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may be formed into fine powders, or structural objects. The structural objects may have a structure and/or strength that derive from the feedstock, heat rate, and additives.

Abstract: Some variations provide a composition for reducing a metal ore, the composition comprising a carbon-metal ore particulate, wherein the carbon-metal ore particulate comprises at least about 0.1 wt % to at most about 50 wt % fixed carbon on a moisture-free and ash-free basis, and wherein the carbon is at least 50% renewable carbon as determined from a measurement of the 14C/12C isotopic ratio. Some variations provide a process for reducing a metal ore, comprising: providing a biomass feedstock; pyrolyzing the feedstock to generate a biogenic reagent comprising carbon and a pyrolysis off-gas comprising hydrogen or carbon monoxide; obtaining a metal ore comprising a metal oxide; combining the carbon with the metal ore, to generate a carbon-metal ore particulate; optionally pelletizing the carbon-metal ore particulate; and utilizing the pyrolysis off-gas to chemically reduce the metal oxide to elemental metal, such as iron.

Abstract: Water-resistant, high-durability, and high-density biocarbon pellets are described. In some variations, a process for producing biocarbon pellets comprises: pyrolyzing a biomass-containing feedstock in a pyrolysis reactor, thereby generating a solid biocarbon-containing material and a pyrolysis vapor; introducing the pyrolysis vapor to a separation system configured to recover a pyrolysis condensate in liquid form separated from non-condensable gases; capturing pyrolysis condensate as a polyphenolic material; contacting the solid biocarbon-containing material with the polyphenolic material, thereby generating an intermediate mixture; introducing the intermediate mixture to a densification unit, thereby generating a biocarbon pellet precursor; and at least partially drying the biocarbon pellet precursor, thereby generating biocarbon pellets characterized by a 24-hour water uptake of about 20 wt % or less, measured at 25° C. and 1 bar.

Abstract: Water-resistant, high-durability, and high-density biocarbon pellets are described. In some variations, a process for producing biocarbon pellets comprises: pyrolyzing a biomass-containing feedstock in a pyrolysis reactor, thereby generating a solid biocarbon-containing material and a pyrolysis vapor; introducing the pyrolysis vapor to a separation system configured to recover a pyrolysis condensate in liquid form separated from non-condensable gases; capturing pyrolysis condensate as a polyphenolic material; contacting the solid biocarbon-containing material with the polyphenolic material, thereby generating an intermediate mixture; introducing the intermediate mixture to a densification unit, thereby generating a biocarbon pellet precursor; and at least partially drying the biocarbon pellet precursor, thereby generating biocarbon pellets characterized by a 24-hour water uptake of about 20 wt % or less, measured at 25° C. and 1 bar.

Abstract: Some variations provide a carbon-negative carbon product that is characterized by a carbon intensity less than 0 kg CO2e per metric ton of the carbon-negative carbon product, wherein the carbon-negative carbon product contains at least about 50 wt % carbon. In some embodiments, the carbon intensity is less than ?500 kg CO2e per metric ton of the carbon-negative carbon product. Other variations provide a carbon-negative metal product (e.g., a steel product) that is characterized by a carbon intensity less than 0 kg CO2e per metric ton of the carbon-negative metal product, wherein the metal product contains from 50 wt % to 100 wt % of one or more metals and optionally one or more alloying elements. In some embodiments, the carbon-negative metal product is characterized by a carbon intensity less than ?200 kg CO2e per metric ton of the carbon-negative metal product. The carbon-negative metal product can contain a wide variety of metals.

Abstract: This invention provides processes and systems for converting biomass into high carbon biogenic reagents that are suitable for a variety of commercial applications. Some embodiments employ pyrolysis in the presence of an inert gas to generate hot pyrolyzed solids, condensable vapors, and non-condensable gases, followed by separation of vapors and gases, and cooling of the hot pyrolyzed solids in the presence of the inert gas. Additives may be introduced during processing or combined with the reagent, or both. The biogenic reagent may include at least 70 wt %, 80 wt %, 90 wt %, 95 wt %, or more total carbon on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may have an energy content of at least 12,000 Btu/lb, 13,000 Btu/lb, 14,000 Btu/lb, or 14,500 Btu/lb on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may be formed into fine powders, or structural objects. The structural objects may have a structure and/or strength that derive from the feedstock, heat rate, and additives.

Abstract: Provided are biogenic porous carbon silicon dioxide compositions, as well as related compositions, and methods of making and using such compositions. Exemplary biogenic porous carbon silicon dioxide compositions include a high-carbon biogenic reagent composition that contains at least about 50 wt % total carbon, at most about 5 wt % hydrogen, at most about 1 wt % nitrogen, at most about 0.5 wt % phosphorus, at most about 0.2 wt % sulfur, at most about 0.02 wt % titanium, at most about 0.5% calcium, at most about 0.1% aluminum, and silicon dioxide. The total carbon can be biogenic carbon, and the silicon dioxide can be contained within river rock or silica fume. Also provided are processes for producing such compositions, where the processes can include: preheating a renewable feedstock, pyrolyzing the renewable feedstock, separating certain pyrolysis products, cooling solid pyrolysis products, and introducing silicon dioxide at a certain point in process.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a halogenated activated carbon composition comprising carbon, a halogenated compound and a salt. In some embodiments, the halogenated compound and the salt comprise a naturally occurring salt mixture, as may be obtained from ocean water, salt lake water, rock salt, salt brine wells, for example. In some embodiments, the naturally occurring salt mixture comprises Dead Sea salt.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a halogenated activated carbon composition comprising carbon, a halogenated compound and a salt. In some embodiments, the halogenated compound and the salt comprise a naturally occurring salt mixture, as may be obtained from ocean water, salt lake water, rock salt, salt brine wells, for example. In some embodiments, the naturally occurring salt mixture comprises Dead Sea salt.

Abstract: In some variations, the disclosure provides a renewable biocarbon composition comprising from 50 wt % to 99 wt % total carbon, wherein the biocarbon composition is characterized by a base-acid ratio selected from 0.1 to 10, an iron-calcium ratio selected from 0.05 to 5, iron-plus-calcium parameter selected from 5 to 50 wt %, a slagging factor selected from 0.001 to 1, and/or a fouling factor or modified fouling factor selected from 0.1 to 10. Some variations provide a process comprising: providing a biomass feedstock; pyrolyzing the biomass feedstock to generate an intermediate biocarbon stream; washing or treating the intermediate biocarbon stream with an acid, a base, a salt, a metal, H2, H2O, CO, CO2, or a combination thereof, and/or introducing an additive in the process, to adjust a base-acid ratio or other compositional parameter; and recovering a biocarbon composition comprising from 50 wt % to 99 wt % total carbon and optimized for a compositional parameter.

Abstract: Biogenic activated carbon compositions disclosed herein comprise at least 55 wt % carbon, some of which may be present as graphene, and have high surface areas, such as Iodine Numbers of greater than 2000. Some embodiments provide biogenic activated carbon that is responsive to a magnetic field. A continuous process for producing biogenic activated carbon comprises countercurrently contacting, by mechanical means, a feedstock with a vapor stream comprising an activation agent including water and/or carbon dioxide; removing vapor from the reaction zone; recycling at least some of the separated vapor stream, or a thermally treated form thereof, to an inlet of the reaction zone(s) and/or to the feedstock; and recovering solids from the reaction zone(s) as biogenic activated carbon. Methods of using the biogenic activated carbon are disclosed.