Slow pyrolysis is a thermal conversion process without air to derive energy components like syngas, biochar, and bio-oil from biomass residues. Pyrolysis temperature, residence duration, and particle size are among the process variables that significantly impact the final product's characterization and yield. During the slow pyrolysis of sugarcane bagasse, this work investigates optimizing these critical parameters to maximize the output and enhance its physicochemical qualities. Particle size (0.5–1 mm), residence time (60–120 minutes), and pyrolysis temperature (300–700°C) were all meticulously adjusted in a series of tests. The biochar's structural, morphological, and chemical characteristics were examined using XRD, Micro-Raman, FTIR, SEM, proximate analysis, and elemental CHNS analysis. The findings demonstrated that temperature had the most significant effect on product dispersion. While moderate temperatures (between 300 and 400°C) promoted higher biochar yields (35-40%), higher temperatures promoted the production of syngas and bio-oil. More extended residence periods improved carbonization, raising the biochar's carbon content but decreasing yield. Smaller particle sizes also increased heat transfer efficiency, speeding up pyrolysis reactions and raising volatile losses. The optimized biochar's enhanced surface area and carbon content made it appropriate for use in carbon sequestration and soil improvement applications. This study emphasizes how vital process optimization is to the long-term value-adding of sugarcane bagasse by slow pyrolysis.
