## 3 Results
### Feedstock Properties
's study, but it is worth noting that the CPH sample used in this study underwent natural drying, which may have impacted its carbon yield. Similarly, the hydrogen content in the CPHs at 5.32% is comparable to other biomasses, but a higher hydrogen content of 7% was found in eucalyptus leaf mixtures analyzed by [PERSON] et al. (2022) [30]. This suggests that eucalyptus leaves may have a slightly higher hydrogen content, benefiting energy conversion processes, though the CPHs still provide favorable conditions for gasification and pyrolysis. With a lower heating value (LHV) of 3869.5 kcal/kg, the CPHs are comparable to other lignocellulosic biomasses. For instance, rice straw has an LHV of 3169.25 kcal/kg according to [PERSON] et al. [31]. Although rice straw may have slightly better performance in energy generation due to its lower ash content and higher volatile matter content, CPHs' LHV makes it an interesting alternative for energy conversion processes, particularly in regions where cocoa cultivation is prevalent. Its higher HHV (4233.01 kcal/kg) further enhances its potential as an energy source. Despite having 12.5% moisture content after natural drying, CPHs outperform the reference biomass in energy yield. These results suggest that CPHs could be an ideal candidate for various applications, including direct combustion for electricity generation, as well as advanced thermochemical processes like gasification and pyrolysis, leveraging its substantial energy potential. The halogen analysis of the feedstock revealed a fluorine (F) concentration of 120.13 mg/kg and a chlorine (Cl) concentration of 15.88 mg/kg. The fluorine content is relatively low compared to other biomasses, minimizing potential health risks associated with human or animal exposure. However, careful monitoring and control measures are still necessary when utilizing this biomass, especially in processes where fluorine emissions could pose environmental or operational concerns. Fluorine's presence in biomass has been documented as a factor influencing corrosion in high-temperature systems, though its impact at the concentrations observed here is likely minimal. The chlorine content, while also low at 15.88 mg/kg, warrants attention due to its potential to form acidic gases, such as HCl, during combustion. These emissions can contribute to environmental acidification and cause specific corrosion problems in power plants [32]. Previous studies [33] have highlighted the severe challenges posed by high chlorine concentrations in biomass. For instance, palm oil biomass analyzed in a study contained 1467.43 mg/kg of chlorine, leading to significant corrosion in industrial-scale coal biomass co-combustion systems. This high chlorine content necessitated implementing specialized mechanisms to mitigate equipment damage caused by corrosion. In stark contrast, the chlorine concentration in CPH biomass is significantly lower, posing a reduced risk of corrosive phenomena. This positions CPHs as a more suitable candidate for thermochemical conversion processes, with fewer environmental and operational challenges compared to high-chlorine biomasses. Moreover, the low halogen levels observed in this study suggest that CPH biomass can be integrated into energy systems with minimal risk of acid gas formation or equipment degradation, provided that emissions are adequately managed. The chemical composition of the ashes obtained from cocoa shells is a key factor in evaluating their performance in energy applications. The oxides present and their concentrations directly affect the formation of slag and deposits in combustion equipment and emissions. A summary of the elemental composition of the ash in terms of oxides and trace metals is presented below (Table 2):