Valorization of neem seeds biomass to biofuel via non-catalytic and catalytic pyrolysis process: Investigation of catalytic activity of Co–Mo/Al2O3 and Ni–Mo/Al2O3 for biofuel production

Abstract

Biofuel production from neem seeds have been evaluated via non-catalytic and catalytic pyrolysis process. Co–Mo/Al2O3 and Ni–Mo/Al2O3 industrial catalysts have been applied in upgrading process of pyrolysis oil to biofuel. The catalytic activity test revealed that these catalysts succeeded in converting fatty acids content of pyrolysis oil into low oxygen content compounds such as alcohols, alkanes, cyclic compounds, and esters via deoxygenation route. Enhancement of temperature and catalyst loading lead to increase of bio-gas production yield, significantly. The highest yield of pyrolysis oil (60.2%) was obtained at 450 °C, heating rate of 40 °C.min−1 via non-catalytic pyrolysis. Using 40% catalyst loading of Ni–Mo/Al2O3, the content of alcohol, cyclic and alkane compounds in the bio-oil were reached 12.65%, 21.74% and 15%, respectively. The highest selectivity using 40% catalyst loading of Co–Mo/Al2O3 catalyst at 450 °C was related to fatty acids (62.5%), esters (18.2%) and alkanes (6.25). It is inferred that the addition of Ni to Mo causes more progress of decarbonylation and decarboxylation reactions, and the addition of Co to Mo generates more ester compounds. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the effect of Ni–Mo/Al2O3 catalyst through catalytic pyrolysis process was more severe than Co–Mo/Al2O3 catalyst.