Abstract
This study investigates the catalytic vapor phase upgrading of sawdust to produce improved biocrude enriched in phenolic monomers. Various mixed metal oxide catalysts (MgO, CuO, Bi2O3, NiO, ZnO supported on Al2O3) were screened to determine the product composition. Further, the effect of different process parameters such as temperature (350 – 600 °C), metal oxide loadings (0 – 20 wt%), catalyst to biomass ratios (1:1–1:6), sweeping gas flow rates (0 – 15 LPH) were studied in terms of biocrude composition. Under non-catalytic conditions, maximum biocrude yields (∼39%) were obtained at an optimum temperature of 550 °C. The biocrude composition varied significantly with the type of metal oxide in which MgO and CuO produced higher amounts of phenolics (∼58%). Increasing MgO loading (5–20 wt%) and higher catalyst to biomass ratios (1:1) resulted in enhanced hydrocarbon yields to ∼15%. Premixing of biomass and catalyst in a fixed bed arrangement resulted in enhanced hydrocarbons/aromatics with simultaneous reduction in the phenolic content.
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.
