Characterization of Bio Oil Derived from Palm Kernel Shell Pyrolysis Catalyzed by Iron Ore Based Catalyst

Abstract

Using bio oil derived from biomass pyrolysis as an alternative fuel continues to be encouraged in order to decrease the utilization of fossil fuels. On the other hand, application of iron ore as a catalyst in the biomass pyrolysis process provides an advantage where there is a mutual effect on the reduction process of iron ore. The objective of the study is to probe the influence of temperature and catalyst concentration to the pyrolysis yields, the characterization of bio-oil gained, and additionally, phase and composition change of the iron ore. This research utilized palm kernel shells as biomass and raw iron ore as catalyst. The experiment was performed at different temperatures (450, 500, and 550oC) and different catalyst concentrations (0, 10, and 15 % of mass). The biomass was located in the lower part of the reactor and the catalyst was positioned on the upper side of the biomass being separated by using a thick layer of glass wool. The pyrolysis process was implemented by drawing off N2 gas to avert the oxygen existence in the reactor. The results exhibited that the highest bio-oil yield, 43.63%, was obtained from the sample of 550oC with non-catalyst, but the highest tar yield was generated from sample of 550°C with 15% of catalyst concentration. GC-MS results showed that catalyst concentration of 15% mass induced opposite effect to composition of phenolic-aromatic compound and acetic acids content compared to the one of 10% mass. Eventually, pyrolysis conditions are able to encourage the reduction process occurred in the iron ore catalyst.