Catalytic pyrolysis of lignin-cellulose biomass and its model phenolic components on the nanosized oxides surface

Abstract

Lignocellulose is currently considered as a potential renewable source of a wide range of valuable chemicals, including aromatics. Catalytic pyrolysis is the promising method for the conversion of biomass raw materials. The development of renewable biomass pyrolysis technologies requires fundamental research on catalytic thermal transformations of lignocellulosic raw materials. Therefore, in this work, the methods of IR spectroscopy, temperature programmed desorption mass spectrometry (TPD MS) and thermogravimetric analysis were used to investigate the catalytic thermal transformations of rapeseed meal (RM) and ferulic acid (FA) as a model phenol-containing component of such raw material on the surface of nanosized oxides CeO2, SiO2 TiO2/SiO2, Al2O3/SiO2 and CeO2/SiO2. The most effective catalyst in the conversion of biomass to ketones was a nanocomposite CeO2/SiO2 with the highest content of nanoparticles of CeO2 (24%). According to the data of FTIR spectroscopic studies, the interaction of FA with the CeO2 surface occurs with the participation of phenol and carboxyl groups. The main products of thermal decomposition of FA on the surface of CeO2 are 3-methoxy-4-vinylphenol, guaiacol, coumaric acid and hydroxybenzene. Condensed aromatics (naphthalene, alkylnaphthalenes) were registered in small quantities.