Catalytic fast pyrolysis of sugarcane bagasse pith with HZSM-5 catalyst using tandem micro-reactor-GC-MS

Abstract

ABSTRACTFast pyrolysis of biomass is praised as an efficient and feasible process to selectively convert lignocellulosic biomass into bio-fuels and bio-chemicals. Pith of sugarcane bagasse could be an attractive lignocellulosic waste from depithing process from pulp and paper mill, which can utilize for production of biofuel and added value products. In this study, we employed a tandem micro-reactor coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy to investigate the products distribution from pith of sugarcane bagasse via catalytic fast pyrolysis. In the operating conditions, pyrolysis temperature and HZSM-5 catalyst had significant effect on products and distributions. An increase in the pyrolysis temperature from 400°C to 550°C led to an increase in the yield of phenolic compounds (6.3%, w/w%), followed decrease at higher temperature. The maximum carboxylic acids (10.6%) and furfural (3.5%) were obtained at lower temperature. At presence of HZSM-5 catalyst, the selectivity of aromatics such as benzene, toluene, indene, and naphthalene were improved.