Research Data and Supplementary Datasets for "Kinetics of Model Tar Decomposition over Activated Biochar from a Heavy Metal-Contaminated Area"

This dataset contains supplementary experimental data supporting the research article “Kinetics of model tar decomposition over activated biochar from a heavy metal-contaminated area,” published in Renewable Energy, Volume 253 (2025), Article 123661.

The dataset includes measured and fitted N₂ and CO₂ adsorption isotherms; pore size distribution (PSD) results for contaminated and uncontaminated biochars; X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of fresh, spent, and high-temperature-treated biochars; inorganic composition of contaminated and uncontaminated birch feedstocks; elemental analysis and ash content of pyrolytic and thermally activated biochars; a summary of the conducted toluene conversion experiments; concentrations of selected inorganic elements in high-temperature-treated and untreated chars; and surface area and pore volume characteristics of fresh, spent, and high-temperature-treated biochars.

The biochars were derived from birch harvested from heavy-metal-contaminated and uncontaminated areas. Thermal activation was performed using a 50/50 vol% CO₂/H₂O mixture, and toluene was employed as a model tar compound to evaluate the catalytic performance and deactivation behaviour of the biochars. The supplementary data support the evaluation of biochar porosity, heavy-metal retention, structural evolution, coke-induced deactivation, and catalytic tar decomposition.