Abstract
The influence of γ-alumina, hydrotalcite, dolomite and Na2CO3 loaded γ-alumina, hydrotalcite, dolomite on fast pyrolysis vapor upgrading of beechwood was investigated using an analytical pyro probe-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry instrument (Py-GC/MS) at a temperature of 500 °C. Overall, this research showcased that these catalysts can deoxygenate biomass pyrolysis vapors into a mixture of intermediate compounds which have substantially lower oxygen content. The intermediate compounds are deemed to be suitable for downstream hydrodeoxygenation processes and it also means that hydrogen consumption will be reduced as a result of moderate in-situ deoxygenation. Among the support catalysts, the application of hydrotalcite yielded the best results with the formation of moderately deoxygenated compounds such as light phenols, mono-oxy ketones, light furans and hydrocarbons with a TIC area % of 7.5, 44.8, 9.8 and 9.8, respectively. In addition, acids were considerably reduced. Dolomite was the next most effective catalyst as γ-alumina retained most of the acids and other oxygenates. Na2CO3 loading on γ-alumina had a noticeable effect on eliminating more or less all the acids, enhancing the mono-oxy-ketones and producing lighter furans. In contrast, Na2CO3 loading on dolomite and hydrotalcite did not show a major impact on the composition except for further enhancing the mono-oxy-ketones (e.g., acetone and cyclopentenones). Additionally, in the case of hydrotalcite and γ-alumina, Na2CO3 loading suppressed the formation of hydrocarbons. In this research, the composition of pyrolytic vapors as a result of catalysis is elaborated further under the specific oxygenate groups such as acids, phenolics, furanics, ketones and acids. Further the catalysts were also characterized by BET, XRD and TGA analysis.
Highlights
Ever-increasing global demand for energy supply and potential climate change adversities due to unwarranted usage of fossil fuels have resulted in an increased focus on bio-based fuels, chemicals and heat and power [1,2]
Techno-economic evaluations have suggested that the fuels for mobility and transport are economically viable when produced via the fast pyrolysis of biomass in comparison to biochemical alternatives due to their flexibility in feeds and products [6]
Conclusions γ-Alumina, HTC-MG70 and dolomite were compared with Na2 CO3 -loaded γ-alumina, HTC-MG70 and dolomite on its influence on beechwood pyrolysis vapors
Summary
Ever-increasing global demand for energy supply and potential climate change adversities due to unwarranted usage of fossil fuels have resulted in an increased focus on bio-based fuels, chemicals and heat and power [1,2]. In this context, lignocellulosic biomass which is a 2nd generation biomass feedstock has gained momentum as a prospective carbon-neutral feed material for the generation of biofuels and bio chemicals via appropriate technologies [3]. Feedstock is swiftly heated to a temperature of around 450–550 ◦ C in an atmosphere containing inter gas During this time, the biomass decomposes to char, combustible gases and pyrolysis oil vapors. These characteristics stem from a high concentration of highly oxygenated compounds [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
