Synergistic effect and product characteristics in microwave co-pyrolysis of lignite and corncob

Abstract

ABSTRACT An attempt was made to investigate the synergistic effect and product characteristics in the microwave co-pyrolysis of lignite and corncob by using a self-designed microwave pyrolysis device. The results showed that the tar yield reached the maximum value of 16.31%, an increase of 51.16% to that of pure lignite pyrolysis and reached the most-positive deviation, with the addition of 30% corncob. The formation of combustible gas in the gas product was increased with an increase of corncob. Compared with the pure lignite pyrolysis, the co-pyrolysis results showed the improvement in both qualities of tar and char, and reduced the initial lignite pyrolysis temperature, with the addition of corncob. The difference between the experimental and theoretical values of products yield, the surface area of char, and residue in the mixture all demonstrated the existence of synergistic effect during microwave co-pyrolysis. Kinetics analysis further confirmed that the synergistic effect was mainly reflected in enhancing the reactivity of co-pyrolysis.