In the present study, biochar pellets and wood vinegar are prepared from the cotton stalk (CS) through the densification and pyrolysis, and hydrothermal oxidative (HO) pretreatment (160-260 degrees C) is conducted to CS to upgrade the quality of biochar pellet and wood vinegar (WV). The results show that HO pretreatment can decompose the hemicellulose, amorphous cellulose, crystalline cellulose, and lignin at 160-230 degrees C, 160-200 degrees C, 200-260 degrees C, and < 200 degrees C, respectively. Therefore, the hemicellulose and cellulose (especially the crystalline cellulose) in CS are enriched at 160-180 degrees C and 160-200 degrees C respectively. Due to the enrichment of hemicellulose and cellulose, the organic compounds in WV increase dramatically after HO pretreatment, resulting in a significant increase in the density and acidity of WV. Furthermore, due to the enrichment of hemicellulose and cellulose, the biochar pellets exhibit more densified internal structures after HO pretreatment, contributing to a higher relaxation density, energy density, and compressive strength. Moreover, the biochar pellets exhibit better combustion performance and lower ash content after HO pretreatment at 160-180 degrees C. The CS sample pretreated at 180 degrees C is the best material for the production of biochar pellets and WV.
