Co-production of Biochar, Bio-oil, and Syngas from Tamarix chinensis Biomass under Three Different Pyrolysis Temperatures

Abstract

Pyrolysis of Tamarix chinensis feedstock was performed at 300, 500, and 700 °C to investigate the characteristics of biochar, bio-oil, and syngas. Biochar yield decreased and syngas yield increased as the pyrolysis temperature increased. The biochar was characterized for elemental composition, surface, and adsorption properties. Values of pH, electrical conductivity (EC), ash, C, K, Na, and basic functional group contents all increased as the pyrolysis temperature increased, whereas P, Ca, Mg, and acidic functional groups decreased. The methylene blue adsorption capacity values were 1.78, 2.08, and 1.96 (mg g-1) and iodine 256.48, 255.51 and 76.42 (mg g-1) for the biochars produced at 300, 500, and 700 °C, respectively. The C and H contents in bio-oil ranged from 66 to 62% and 8 to 7%, while O changed from 25 to 29% when temperature was increased from 300 to 700 °C. The concentration of hydrocarbon gases, such as ethane, ethylene, propane, and acetylene, increased as the pyrolysis temperature increased. The sum of CO and CO2 occupied great percentage of the total gas, while the H2 concentration increased markedly to a maximum of 16% at 500 °C. Thus, T. chinensis is a potential feedstock for biochar and bioenergy production.