Introduction
Imagine walking through a rice field and envisioning the potential of the discarded husks to power a light bulb. This innovative idea is the focus of Dr. Praveen Kolar’s upcoming research as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Bologna, Italy. Dr. Kolar, a professor in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, aims to convert rice husks into biochar for use in energy storage devices.
Career Beginnings
Dr. Kolar’s career began in India, where he managed water quality and waste systems at a seafood processing facility. His journey then took him to Louisiana State University, where he researched optimal conditions for oyster farming. He continued his academic pursuits with a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia, focusing on odor management in poultry rendering facilities.
“I started in wastewater, then studied waste gas, and now I study waste solids,” Kolar reflects.
Expertise and Research Focus
At North Carolina State University, Dr. Kolar specializes in waste treatment, recycling, and the production of value-added products from plant materials. His Fulbright project is centered on enhancing the value of agricultural rice husk waste by transforming it into biochar—a carbon-rich material produced by heating biomass without oxygen.
The Novel Approach
While the production of biochar is well-established, Dr. Kolar’s research is unique in its application. He plans to use biochar as an electrode for capacitors, which are devices that store energy. Unlike batteries, which provide a steady energy output over a long period, capacitors deliver a burst of energy quickly.
“The idea is to create biochar with high surface area and suitable surface chemistry,” Kolar explains. “This allows the capacitor to hold and release charge efficiently.”
Advantages of Rice Husk Biochar
Currently, capacitors are typically made using metals and activated carbon from coconut shells. However, rice husks offer several benefits. They are a local and abundant resource for farmers, especially in regions like Bologna. Additionally, rice husks naturally contain nitrogen, which enhances the biochar’s capacity to hold a charge.
“Previous research has shown that incorporating nitrogen on a carbon surface increases its charge capacity,” Kolar notes. “In this case, the nitrogen is already present in the feedstock.”
Research and Testing
During his Fulbright tenure, Dr. Kolar will produce biochar and assemble a device to test its energy storage capabilities. Upon returning to Raleigh, he will conduct surface analysis using the Analytical Instrumentation Facility at NC State’s Centennial Campus.
Future Goals
Dr. Kolar aims to demonstrate the potential of rice husk biochar capacitors by creating a device capable of powering a fan or light bulb. This proof of concept could pave the way for engineers and companies to scale up the technology.
“Rice husk is currently a low-value product,” Kolar says. “We want to transform it into a high-value resource, empowering farmers and shifting the perception of waste. Nothing is truly waste; there is inherent value in everything if you look closely.”
Conclusion
Dr. Kolar’s innovative research has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about agricultural waste. By turning rice husks into biochar for capacitors, he aims to create a sustainable, value-added product that benefits both farmers and the environment. His work exemplifies the transformative power of seeing potential where others see waste.