Advanced Chemical Characterization of Pyrolysis Oils from Landfill Waste, Recycled Plastics, and Forestry Residue

Abstract

Waste material pyrolysis has proven useful for the production of pyrolysis oils; however, the physical properties and chemical composition of pyrolysis oils are greatly influenced by the feedstock. It is well established that lignin- and cellulose-rich material produces pyrolysis oils high in aromatic oxygen-containing compounds, whereas pyrolysis oils produced from other sources such as plastics and household wastes are far less characterized. Here, three fast pyrolysis oils produced from landfill waste, recycled plastics, and pine forestry residue are compared by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), comprehensive 2D gas chromatography (GC×GC), Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS), and liquid chromatography. GC×GC, FT-ICR MS, and liquid chromatography provide insight into the chemical composition of pyrolysis oils, whereas FT-IR analysis identifies functional groups. Landfill and plastic pyrolysis oils were found to contain higher hydroca...