Abstract
A new technique was proposed to co-produce phenol and activated carbon (AC) from catalytic fast pyrolysis of biomass impregnated with K3PO4 in a hydrogen atmosphere, followed by activation of the pyrolytic solid residues. Lab-scale catalytic fast pyrolysis experiments were performed to quantitatively determine the pyrolytic product distribution, as well as to investigate the effects of several factors on the phenol production, including pyrolysis atmosphere, catalyst type, biomass type, catalytic pyrolysis temperature, and catalyst impregnation content. In addition, the pyrolytic solid residues were activated to prepare ACs with high specific surface areas. The results indicated that phenol could be obtained due to the synergistic effects of K3PO4 and hydrogen atmosphere, with the yield and selectivity reaching 5.3 wt% and 17.8% from catalytic fast pyrolysis of poplar wood with 8 wt% K3PO4 at 550°C in a hydrogen atmosphere. This technique was adaptable to different woody materials for phenol production. Moreover, gas product generated from the pyrolysis process was feasible to be recycled to provide the hydrogen atmosphere, instead of extra hydrogen supply. In addition, the pyrolytic solid residue was suitable for AC preparation, using CO2 activation method, the specific surface area was as high as 1,605 m2/g.
Highlights
Pyrolysis is an important way for cost-effective utilization of lignocellulosic biomass materials (Bridgwater, 2012; Williams et al, 2016; Morgan et al, 2017)
Comparison of Inert and Hydrogen Atmosphere Fast pyrolysis experiments were firstly performed in nitrogen and hydrogen atmosphere at 550◦C using raw and K3PO4impregnated (8 wt%) poplar wood
K3PO4 is a well-known chemical activator for preparation of activated carbon (AC), which has already been applied in commercial scales, activation experiments were further conducted by using the pyrolytic solid residue obtained from catalytic fast pyrolysis of poplar wood with 8 wt% K3PO4 at 550◦C in hydrogen atmosphere, to confirm whether the solid residue was suitable for AC preparation
Summary
Pyrolysis is an important way for cost-effective utilization of lignocellulosic biomass materials (Bridgwater, 2012; Williams et al, 2016; Morgan et al, 2017). Lu et al further found a new way to produce mixed phenolic compounds via catalytic fast pyrolysis of biomass impregnated with K3PO4 or mechanically mixed with solid base catalysts (Lu et al, 2013; Zhang et al, 2015b).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
