Investigations of restricted mass transport effects on hydrocarbon pyrolysis mechanisms through silica immobilization

Abstract

In the pyrolysis of polymers and other macromolecular systems including coal, kerogen, lignin, and cellulose, the importance of mass transport in affecting pyrolysis kinetics, tar and char yields, and product molecular weight distribution is becoming increasingly appreciated. However, detailed molecular level information on the effects of restricted mass transport on the reaction mechanisms for organic constituents in these complex organic materials is understandably more limited. Well-designed, experimental studies of the pyrolysis of model compounds and polymers are capable of providing such insights. In this paper, research employing silica-immobilized compounds is reviewed and selected examples from other types of model systems that explore mass transport effects are presented.