Oxidative pyrolysis of poplar sawdust: Probing the influence of oxidation reactions on property of biochar

Abstract

Partial oxidation of some organics is desirable in some scenarios for compensation of the heat required for pyrolysis, which, however, impacts not only composition of bio-oil but also possibly property of biochar. This was investigated herein by oxidative pyrolysis of poplar sawdust from 300 to 600 °C and further analysis of the pyrolytic products, especially biochar. The results showed that O2 could oxidize some organics on surface of biochar, forming more volatiles below 400 °C. Above this temperature the excessive oxidation of the light and heavy organics with π-conjugated structures in bio-oil dominated, producing more gases. Weight loss of biochar from oxidation of organics on its surface was only remarkable at 300 °C, while some weight gain was observed from introduction of additional oxygen-containing functionalities from the oxidation. The removal of aromatic structures on biochar at 500 or 600 °C via oxidation was rather difficult. However, the oxidation reactions did make the biochar oxygen-rich but hydrogen-deficient, which, in overall, improved thermal stability and comprehensive combustion performance of the biochar. Additionally, oxygen presence enhanced aromatic degree of biochar by increasing regularity of (100) facet of carbon crystals while narrowing interplanar spacing of (002) facets. The oxygen-rich nature also made the biochar from the oxidative pyrolysis more hydrophilic while the removal of some organics via oxidation promoted development of the pore structures.