Catalytic Pyrolysis Of Botryococcus Braunii (microalgae) Over Layered and Delaminated Zeolites For Aromatic Hydrocarbon Production

Abstract

Botryococcus braunii (B. Braunii) is considered as due to its high capability of large aromatic contents, prominent green microalgae as a renewable energy resource. The aim and novelty of this work is to exploit the pyrolysis characteristics of microalgae with layered and delaminated zeolites using Py-GC/MS. No catalyst and catalytic pyrolysis was compared to evaluate product components formed. Further, the catalytic pyrolysis of botryococcus braunii was carried out in the presence of two zeolites with different pore topology and acidity. The results from non-catalytic microalgae pyrolysis were compared to catalytic pyrolysis together with different catalysts to biomass ratios for aromatic hydrocarbons production. Py-GC/MS results showed the aromatic hydrocarbon production (area%) was significantly improved from zeolite catalytic pyrolysis than non-catalytic pyrolysis. The increase in catalyst to biomass ratio (3:1 and 5:1) resulted in higher aromatic hydrocarbon production. As the catalyst to biomass ratio increased, it is observed that aromatic hydrocarbon content increased as compared to low catalyst to biomass ratio. In addition, ITQ-2 zeolite generated higher aromatic hydrocarbons. This might be due to better pore structure and acidity of delaminated structure as compared to layered structure. This delaminated topology enhances the reactant diffusion and reduces the secondary cracking.