Investigation of the effect of metal powder and metal-supported MCM-41 catalysts on the pyrolysis of horse chestnut fruits and shells (Aesculus hippocastanum L.)

Abstract

AbstractHorse chestnut fruit and horse chestnut shell are derived from the same biomass but exhibit distinct structural characteristics. Different compounds can be produced through the pyrolysis of these materials. The pyrolysis process was conducted on horse chestnut fruit and shell at temperatures of 300, 400, and 500 °C, both with and without various catalysts (Al, Fe, MCM-41/Al, MCM-41/Fe). The synthesis of MCM-41 catalysts utilized a hydrothermal method, and their properties were assessed through XRD, SEM–EDX, and SEM–EDS analyses. The resulting products from the pyrolysis were analyzed using GC–MS and elemental analysis techniques. Optimal efficiency was achieved at 400 °C, with the highest HHV value recorded at 34.38 MJ/kg when Al powder catalyst was present.