Abstract
In the future, renewable energy technologies will have a significant role in catering to energy security concerns and a safe environment. Among the various renewable energy sources available, biomass has high accessibility and is considered a carbon-neutral source. Pyrolysis technology is a thermo-chemical route for converting biomass to many useful products (biochar, bio-oil, and combustible pyrolysis gases). The composition and relative product yield depend on the pyrolysis technology adopted. The present review paper evaluates various types of biomass pyrolysis. Fast pyrolysis, slow pyrolysis, and advanced pyrolysis techniques concerning different pyrolyzer reactors have been reviewed from the literature and are presented to broaden the scope of its selection and application for future studies and research. Slow pyrolysis can deliver superior ecological welfare because it provides additional bio-char yield using auger and rotary kiln reactors. Fast pyrolysis can produce bio-oil, primarily via bubbling and circulating fluidized bed reactors. Advanced pyrolysis processes have good potential to provide high prosperity for specific applications. The success of pyrolysis depends strongly on the selection of a specific reactor as a pyrolyzer based on the desired product and feedstock specifications.
Highlights
This review provides a detailed evaluation of biomass pyrolysis technology, which includes the selection of biomass feedstock, treatment of biomass material, choice of required pyrolysis process, and pyrolysis in a suitable reactor
The perspective to decrease the growth of greenhouse gases (GHG) from pyrolysis depends on several factors, such as the type of biomass feedstock used, type of pyrolysis conversion technology, the scope of the pyrolysis unit, and the way co-products are recycled
Slow pyrolysis can deliver superior ecological outcomes as it yields additional biochar that can be applied to soil to sequester carbon
Summary
Pyrolysis is an established thermochemical process for converting biomass materials into bio-oil, gaseous products, and liquid fuel. Compared to thermochemical conversion processes, such as combustion and gasification, pyrolysis occurs at moderately lower temperatures (400–600 ◦ C) and is generally preferable because the pyrolysis products, mainly char and liquid fuels, are easy to store and transport [22]. Garcia-Nunez [29] presented a study of different reactors used in biomass pyrolysis, but the review paper presented the pyrolysis technologies from a historical perspective. This review paper is the first to highlight the research on biomass pyrolysis processes in terms of the different pyrolyzer reactors and advanced pyrolyzers. The review paper highlights the advanced pyrolyzer technologies and reactors that further enhance the renewability of the pyrolysis process. The review paper contributes significantly to the field of research by critically analyzing fast pyrolysis, slow pyrolysis, and advanced pyrolysis processes
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