Kinetic formation of CO, CO 2, H 2, and light hydrocarbon gases from cellulose pyrolysis

Abstract

The formation of gaseous products has been examined for cellulose over the temperature range of 360–595°C. The evolution of CO, CO 2, H 2, CH 4, C 2H 4, and C 2H 6 was determined as a function of time. The overall kinetic rate constants for decomposition were determined from the formation rates for each gas, as well as the rate constants for the formation of each specific gas. It has been verified that CO and CO 2 are both primary products of decomposition, and further emanate from the same kinetic pathway. By increasing the residence time of the reactor, the production of all gaseous products, including both CO and CO 2, further increased, indicating production by a secondary reaction mechanism. None of the gaseous products, save CO and CO 2, were detected in measurable quantities except at temperatures above which transport limitations had affected the measurement of the kinetic rates.