Aromatic Formation Research Articles

The role of polymer modification in mitigating ‘sunburn’ damage on asphalt roads

Asphalt roads suffer from ageing throughout their service life due to exposure to ultraviolet light (UV). The aim of this study is to determine the role of polymers such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) and crumb rubber from end-of-life tyres (CR) in protecting bitumen against the damage caused by UV radiations when roads are exposed to sunlight. One unmodified bitumen and four polymer-modified commercial binders were exposed to a filtered xenon-arc light for 10, 20 and 30 days before being tested. Overall, SBS modified binders were less damaged by UV exposure, followed by CR and EVA modified binders. More specifically, SBS provided the best cracking resistance to the binder after ageing compared to conventional unmodified bitumen, followed by CR. EVA did not improve the cracking resistance of the binder. A deep chemical analysis of the photo-oxidation mechanism of polymer-modified binders revealed that SBS is more effective in reducing the formation of carbonyls and aromatics in aged bitumen compared to CR and EVA. The 3D network formed by SBS polymer chains in bitumen was found to be more resistant to oxidation than CR and EVA chains, hence providing a superior UV resistance to SBS-modified binders. Overall, CR seems to provide a sustainable alternative to conventional polymers since using CR for bitumen modification would reduce landfilling of tyres while increasing roads service life and reducing maintenance costs.

Selective production of aromatics from catalytic fast pyrolysis of cassava residues over vanadium modified ZSM-5: Experimental and kinetic study

In the present study, vanadium modified ZSM-5 catalysts (denoted as xV/ZSM-5) were applied for the fast pyrolysis of cassava residues. Systematical structural characterizations were carried out to reveal the basic characteristics of as-prepared xV/ZSM-5. Remarkably, the incorporation of vanadium species endowed the catalysts with large amounts of Brønsted and Lewis acid sites, thus facilitating the formation of aromatics via catalytic cleavage, dehydration, decarbonylation, decarboxylation, cyclization, and aromatization. Among the as-prepared xV/ZSM-5, 3V/ZSM-5 was found to be much more efficient in the fast pyrolysis of cassava residues into aromatics. The total yield of aromatics was up to 22.63 wt% at 750 ℃ with a heating rate of 10 ℃/ms, and the corresponding apparent activation energy of 211.9 kJ/mol was attained. The recycling experiments demonstrated that the vanadium modified ZSM-5 catalysts presented good thermal stability and could be reused for several cycles. Furthermore, plausible reaction mechanism for the fast pyrolysis of cassava residues over vanadium modified ZSM-5 was discussed in depth.

Bio-Oil Upgrading over ZSM-5 Catalyst: A Review of Catalyst Performance and Deactivation

Due to population explosion and industrialization, waste biomass and polymer conversion into biofuel has attracted the interest of researchers. The application of the ZSM-5 catalyst for bio-oil upgrading into renewable biofuels has attracted researchers’ efforts as an excellent catalyst. The need for improved biofuel quality with reduced oxygenates has further necessitated the application of catalyzed upgrading techniques. The catalytic performance of the ZSM-5 catalyst was attributed to its exceptional pore structure and window architecture and when it is incorporated with some selected transition metals to improve aromatic hydrocarbon formation. The review revealed that the development of coke deposit on the microspores of the ZSM-5 catalyst hindered the effective transport of large molecular compounds into the active sites for an easy deoxygenation process. Hence, the introduction of mesoporosity, hybrid catalyst development, and tailored crystal growth on the ZSM-5 catalyst could address several hindrances associated to conventional ZSM-5. Therefore, the need for catalyst modification is paramount for ZSM-5 performance during bio-oil upgrading.

Experimental and kinetic modeling study of C5 cyclic hydrocarbons pyrolysis at elevated pressures: Effect of unsaturation on the reactivity and PAH formation

To further explore the decomposition behaviors of C5 cyclic hydrocarbons, important components in the transportation fuels and pivotal intermediates in high-density liquid fuels, the pyrolysis of cyclopentane, cyclopentene and cyclopentadiene with different unsaturation degrees were investigated. The experiments of cyclopentane and cyclopentene were performed at 1.0, 30.0 atm and 773–1173 K in a flow tube reactor. The mole fraction profiles of pyrolysis species, involving C1-C5 small hydrocarbons and monocyclic, bicyclic as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (MAHs, BAHs and PAHs), were provided. A universal kinetic model for three C5 cyclic fuels pyrolysis chemistry was proposed and reasonably predicted the speciation profiles newly reported in this work and literature, where rate coefficients of the crucial reactions were compared and upgraded. The differences among three fuels specific pathways were evaluated and the effects of unsaturation on the pyrolysis characteristics of intrinsic reactivity and aromatics formation were revealed. Cyclopentene has the highest pyrolysis reactivity, followed by cyclopentane and cyclopentadiene. Simultaneously formed fuel radicals and key intermediates in three C5 cyclic fuels influence the formation channels of small products, MAHs and BAHs. The saturated cyclopentane is easily occur the ring-opening reaction to generate more C2 and C3 species, whereas the increase in unsaturation promotes MAHs and BAHs formation in cyclopentene and cyclopentadiene pyrolysis, especially the toluene, styrene, indene and naphthalene. The rate of production analysis shows the formations of these MAHs and BAHs are strongly dependent on the concentration levels of cyclopentadienyl resonance stabilized radical (RSR). Differently, the dominated growth pathways of three- and four-ring PAHs are barely influenced by the specific fuel chemistry and indenyl plays a crucial role via the typical RSR chain reactions at high pressures.

Valorization of waste PET: Understanding the role of active ammonia in facilitating PET depolymerization and aromatic nitrile formation

Realizing the recovery and valorization of waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics into value-added products have gained significant importance. This study successfully synthesized aromatic nitriles, specifically terephthalonitrile (TPN), from waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic through in situ catalytic pyrolysis with urea and γ-Al2O3 catalyst. Based on distributed activation energy model, positive interaction between waste PET and urea is responsible for improved thermal decomposition kinetics. The dosage of urea and pyrolysis temperature significantly influenced TPN production. TPN yield reached 32.5% with ca. selectivity of 85% at 550 °C and equivalent urea dosage. Density functional theory calculations validated the role of active ammonia in reducing energy barriers and thus facilitating PET depolymerization. The study highlights the feasibility of recycling waste PET into valuable aromatic nitriles through in situ catalytic pyrolysis with urea and enhances the understanding of the pyrolysis process.

Comparison study on carbon nanomaterial synthesis from methane and acetylene in DC arc plasma

The carbon nanomaterials are obtained from methane and acetylene pyrolysis by thermal plasma jet at the temperature up to 2500 K. The morphologies and nanostructures of carbon nanomaterial are investigated by various bulk characterization techniques and a detailed chemical kinetic simulation. The high reaction temperature can promote the transformation of methane pyrolysis products from amorphous spherical carbon to graphene nanoflakes (GNFs), but acetylene to onion-like particles. The feedstock species and reaction temperature affect first aromatic molecules formation and thus change condensed carbon inception rate. The carbon source used for carbon nuclei formation paths has a competitive relationship with surface reactions. Results suggest that the governing factors on the carbon black morphologies are determined by the nucleation, surface growth and particle-particle collision efficiency, which are affected by reactants and reaction temperature. Its nanostructures refer to a result of the equilibrium configuration of PAH clusters under different temperatures. Particularly, the high hydrogen/carbon ratio may prefer GNF formation.

High-performance chlorinated polyvinyl chloride/polyurea nanocomposite foam with excellent solvent resistance, flame-triggered shape memory effect and its upcycling

Facing the global environmental pollution crisis related to waste plastics, the recyclable design of polymer materials and composites, especially large commodities, is the most effective and fundamental solution. Herein, an upcycling chlorinated polyvinyl chloride/polyurea (CPVC/PUA) nanocomposite foam was designed by means of the “plasticizing-foaming-reinforcing” (PFR) strategy combined with catalytic carbonization of CPVC/PUA foams. On one hand, the foam with ultra-high expansion ratio (62 times) can be facilely prepared in supercritical CO2 at lower temperature, benefited of the reactive plasticizing function of PUA monomer-polymeric methylene diphenyldiisocyanate (PMDI). On the other hand, the obtained foam is reinforced by PMDI crosslinking reaction to in situ form nano-PUA phase in the CPVC matrix and realizing robust and superior solvent resistance and flame-triggered shape memory effect. Moreover, the foam possesses remarkable ablation resistance, which is attributed to super carbonization capacity of CPVC catalyzed by PUA. This carbonization behavior endows the foam directly upcycle into functional carbon foam accompanied by the formation of HCl gas and functional aromatics. The obtained carbon foam shows attractive electromagnetic interference shielding performance, which also may be used as potential carbon source or catalyst of producing vinyl chloride monomer in the chlor-alkali industry, especially in China.

Promotion of Humic Acid Transformation by Abiotic and Biotic Fe Redox Cycling in Nontronite.

The redox activity of Fe-bearing minerals is coupled with the transformation of organic matter (OM) in redox dynamic environments, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this work, a Fe redox cycling experiment of nontronite (NAu-2), an Fe-rich smectite, was performed via combined abiotic and biotic methods, and the accompanying transformation of humic acid (HA) as a representative OM was investigated. Chemical reduction and subsequent abiotic reoxidation of NAu-2 produced abundant hydroxyl radicals (thereafter termed as ·OH) that effectively transformed the chemical and molecular composition of HA. More importantly, transformed HA served as a more premium electron donor/carbon source to couple with subsequent biological reduction of Fe(III) in reoxidized NAu-2 by Geobacter sulfurreducens, a model Fe-reducing bacterium. Destruction of aromatic structures and formation of carboxylates were mechanisms responsible for transforming HA into an energetically more bioavailable substrate. Relative to unaltered HA, transformed HA increased the extent of the bioreduction by 105%, and Fe(III) reduction was coupled with oxidation and even mineralization of transformed HA, resulting in bleached HA and formation of microbial products and cell debris. ·OH transformation slightly decreased the electron shuttling capacity of HA in bioreduction. Our results provide a mechanistic explanation for rapid OM mineralization driven by Fe redox cycling in redox-fluctuating environments.

Partial hydrogenation of 1,3-butadiene over nickel with alumina and niobium supported catalysts

The hydrogenation of 1,3 butadiene (BD) is an important industrial process that is generally used to generate butenes and aromatics, which are important petrochemicals and constituents of transportation fuels. Ni-based catalysts have gained increasing interest in the academic community and industry because of their superior hydrogenation activity, ability to exist in multiple oxidation states and most importantly, affordability compared to the less-abundant precious metal catalysts. In this work, we explore the ability of alumina (Al2O3) and niobia (Nb2O5) as catalytic supports for Ni as the active metal since they have shown excellent potential for hydrogenation of alkenes. Specifically, we compare the metal-support interactions, which disperse Ni effectively throughout the catalyst surface, textural and pore parameters, Ni crystallite size, surface morphology, elemental composition, coke formation and tendencies of both catalysts through extensive characterization techniques such as H2-temperature programmed reduction (H2-TPR), N2-adsorption–desorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy combined with electron-dispersive spectra (SEM-EDS), and thermal analysis of the spent catalysts. Limited reports on the use of niobium oxides and alumina as supports for Ni in the partial hydrogenation of BD prompted us to explore this literature gap. The catalytic reactions were conducted using a quartz tube reactor between a temperature range of 50 and 400 °C at regular intervals of 50 °C under operating pressures of 1 atm. A comprehensive analysis of the products from the reaction was carried out using gas-chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC–MS) detector and corroborated these results with those from infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Reaction mechanisms of aliphatic and aromatic product formation were proposed and verified with literature and our own characterization results. The tests on the spent catalysts also helped to reveal the extent of deactivation of the catalysts due to carbon deposition. Mechanisms of catalyst deactivation and nature of carbonaceous deposits were explored and elaborate scientific reasoning was provided as to why Ni/alumina showed better performance in terms of product yields and BD conversion. Ways to mitigate the harmful effects of coke formation and its deposition are also discussed. The novelty of our work is that a comprehensive comparison of the performance of Ni/alumina and Ni/niobia for hydrogenation of BD along with extensive discussions on coke formation, its chemical nature and proposed reaction chemistry based on obtained characterization results of the catalysts and the products of BD hydrogenation has not been done before for this system. In this way, we show the low-temperature conversion of BD represents an economically efficient and relatively simple method to convert toxic, carcinogenic and environmentally hazardous BD into high-value products using low-cost and chemically efficient catalysts.

Investigation into the shape selectivity of zeolites for conversion of polyolefin plastic pyrolysis oil model compound

The relationship between the structure of zeolites and their performance in 1-octene conversion, a model compound in polyolefin plastic pyrolysis oil, has been elucidated. Zeolite topology determines reaction pathways being possible to direct the reaction to the formation of light olefins or aromatics. Small pore zeolites (≤ 6.1 Å), facilitate octene-cracking reactions. For example, MOR produces 98% of small olefins (54% C5). Large pore size zeolites catalyze aromatizations to BTX, also producing paraffins and hydrogen. Zeolites with pore sizes around 6.1 Å produce BTX with reduced coke formation. Thus, MFI produces 32% of C2-C5 olefins, 27% paraffins, and 23% of BTX. The olefins, paraffins, and BTX are found in an alkylation/dealkylation equilibrium conditioned by the catalyst’s pore size: the larger the pore size, the longer and more branched the products are. In addition, 1-octene isomers are dominant products at low contact times (∼0.045 s) and BTX at long contact times (∼4.5 s).

Astrochemical Modeling of Propargyl Radical Chemistry in TMC-1

Recent detections of aromatic species in dark molecular clouds suggest that formation pathways may be efficient at very low temperatures and pressures, yet current astrochemical models are unable to account for their derived abundances, which can often deviate from model predictions by several orders of magnitude. The propargyl radical, a highly abundant species in the dark molecular cloud TMC-1, is an important aromatic precursor in combustion flames and possibly interstellar environments. We performed astrochemical modeling of TMC-1 using the three-phase gas-grain code NAUTILUS and an updated chemical network, focused on refining the chemistry of the propargyl radical and related species. The abundance of the propargyl radical has been increased by half an order of magnitude compared to the previous GOTHAM network. This brings it closer in line with observations, but it remains underestimated by 2 orders of magnitude compared to its observed value. Predicted abundances for the chemically related C4H3N isomers within an order of magnitude of observed values corroborate the high efficiency of CN addition to closed-shell hydrocarbons under dark molecular cloud conditions. The results of our modeling provide insight into the chemical processes of the propargyl radical in dark molecular clouds and highlight the importance of resonance-stabilized radicals in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon formation.

Inhibitory effects of longan seed extract on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons formation and muscle oxidation in baked mutton kebabs

Longan seeds, rich in phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties, are an underestimated by-product of longan processing. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are carcinogenic and mutagenic, are produced during the cooking of meat products at high temperatures. The effects of different concentrations of longan seed extract (LSE, 0.2, 0.6, 1.0 mg/mL) on the formation of PAHs and muscle oxidation in mutton kebabs were investigated. Mutton kebabs were baked at 150, 200, 250 °C for 20 min, respectively, and the contents of PAHs, the degree of lipid and protein oxidation were evaluated. The results showed that LSE exhibited positive effects in inhibiting total PAHs formation (range from 14.9 to 48.8 %), decreasing the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values (range from 17.1 to 39.1 %), reducing carbonyl content (range from 22.0 to 51.2 %) and increasing sulfhydryl content (range from 18.6 to 51.8 %). This study provided a guidance and potential solution for reducing the content of PAHs and muscle oxidation levels in baked meat.

Influence of alkali and alkali earth metals on pyrolysis of tobacco waste

The effect of alkali and alkali earth metals on pyrolysis behavior of tobacco was revealed in this paper. Four alkali and alkali earth metal ions (Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+) were used to impregnate acid-washed tobacco. The addition of alkali and alkali earth metal ions in acid-washed tobacco increases the relative content of ketones, acids, nitrogen containing compounds, and esters, while inhibit the formation of anhydro sugars and aldehydes. The generation of solid residues is enhanced by the presence of alkali and alkali earth metal ions and the increase of K+ concentration. The addition of 0.5 mmol K+/g can increase the yield of solid residues from 13.7 wt% to 20.2 wt%. The increase of K+ concentration promotes the conversion of anhydro sugars to ketones. The effect of hot water-wash, acid-wash, and acid-infuse, which can control the concentration of alkali and alkali earth metal ions in the tobacco, on the product distribution of tobacco pyrolysis were also discussed. Acid-wash method and hot water-wash method promote the production of carbohydrate derivatives and inhibit the generation of nitrogen-containing products. After nitric acid-wash and hot water-wash pretreatment, the relative content of nitrogen-containing products decreased from 52.1% to 6.2% and 4.3%, respectively. Compared with inorganic acid-wash pretreatment method, organic acid-wash pretreatment method has weaker inhibition on nitrogen-containing products. Organic acid-wash pretreatment method promoted the formation of aromatics and aldehydes. Prewash methods facilitate the thermal decomposition of tobacco. The results from this study suggests that feedstock pretreatment could be used as a strategy of controlling aroma compounds formation from tobacco.

Direct hydrogenation of CO2 to aromatics via Fischer-Tropsch route over tandem K-Fe/Al2O3+H-ZSM-5 catalysts: Influence of zeolite properties

Direct hydrogenation of CO2 to valuable aromatics using multifunctional catalysts is an attractive technology to produce low-carbon footprint chemicals. In this work, the relevant zeolite parameters driving the formation of total and BTEX aromatics from CO2 and H2 on tandem K-Fe/γ-Al2O3+H-ZSM-5 catalysts following the Fischer-Tropsch (FT)-mediated route were investigated. To this end, a set of H-ZSM-5 zeolites covering a wide range of physicochemical properties (density of Brønsted and Lewis acid sites, external acidity, crystallite size, and mesoporosity) was used, characterized by different techniques (ICP-OES, XRD, N2 physisorption, FTIR-pyridine, FTIR-2,6,-di-tert-butyl pyridine, XPS, 27Al MAS NMR, and electron microscopy), and evaluated in CO2 hydrogenation at 400 °C, 30 bar, H2/CO2 = 3.1, and GHSV of 4700 mL/(gFe-cat·h). At these conditions, high and stable CO2 conversions of 50 – 55% and low CO selectivity of ca. 10% were obtained for the Fe-based and tandem catalysts. The density and, to a certain extent, the strength of Brønsted acid sites were found the main parameters determining the selectivity of aromatics, reaching initial (TOS = 1.5 h) values of about 79% and 40% in liquid (C5+) and total hydrocarbons, respectively, for the catalyst based on the most acidic zeolite. Lewis acid sites associated to extraframework Al species (EFAL), by contrast, did not appear to play a relevant role in our conditions. Moreover, although a positive effect of the total amount and strength of Brønsted acid sites on the selectivity to the most valuable BTEX aromatics was inferred from our results, the external Brønsted acidity was the most influential factor in this case. Hence, a remarkable BTEX selectivity of 75% in aromatics was achieved for the zeolite previously submitted to a surface-passivation treatment by silylation.

Effect of simultaneous application of antioxidants in oil and in chicken on heterocyclic aromatic amine formation in deep-fat fried chicken breast

This study aimed to estimate the effects of simultaneous application of antioxidants in meat and in oil on heterocyclic aromatic amine (HAA) formation in fried chicken during 40 deep-fat frying cycles. The experiment was carried out by adding Adinandra nitida leaf extract (ANE) (200 mg/100 g) to chicken while adding tea polyphenols (TP) (40 mg/100 g), sesamol (SL) (40 mg/100 g), or rosemary extract (RE) (40 mg/100 g) to soybean oil. It was found that the addition of TP, SL or RE in oil reduced the lipid oxidation and the formation of total HAAs in meats. Adding ANE alone to meat reduced total HAA contents in meats by 11.98%–38.00%; simultaneously adding TP, SL or RE to oil reduced total HAA contents in meats by 33.98%–61.46%, 15.86%–44.94%, and 25.22%–48.01%, respectively, during 40 frying cycles. Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant correlations (all absolute values of correlation coefficients > 0.53) between HAA formation and oxidation indices. This research supplies evidence that adding antioxidants to both meat and oil inhibits HAA formation during deep-fat frying.

Sustainable production of aromatic-rich biofuel via catalytic co-pyrolysis of lignin and waste polyoxymethylene over commercial Al2O3 catalyst

Co-valorization of biomass and multiple solid wastes is essential to environment protection and energy security. Herein, aromatic-rich biofuel was produced from lignin and waste polyoxymethylene (POM) via catalytic co-pyrolysis process. Commercial and cheap γ-Al2O3 catalyst exhibited good catalytic performance. Series characterizations and bench-top pyrolysis experiments were conducted to illustrate the synergism between raw materials and the mechanism of aromatics formation. The TG analysis and thermodynamics calculation revealed that a remarkably positive synergistic effect existed between lignin and POM, which reduce the activation energies and make the reaction more conducive in terms of thermodynamics. Meanwhile, the yields of biochar and bio-oil increased considerably. Additionally, the operating conditions affected the product distributions significantly. The suitable mixing ratio of lignin to POM was around equal (5:5) with the bio-oil yield increased to 28.3 % and aromatic hydrocarbons selectivity increased to > 95 %. Moreover, POM, the precursor for alkylating reagents and hydrogen donors, could promote the deoxygenation reactions of phenolic intermediates and result into aromatic hydrocarbons. The acid sites of γ-Al2O3 promoted series secondary cracking reactions (alkylation, deoxygenation), and thus improved bio-oil quality. Finally, the stability test showed that commercial γ-Al2O3 catalyst was slightly deactivated after 4 cycles because of coke deposits and acid sites loss.

Modification of Detailed Kinetic Mechanism for Aromatic Hydrocarbon Formation during C3–C4 Hydrocarbon Pyrolysis

Modification of Detailed Kinetic Mechanism for Aromatic Hydrocarbon Formation during C3–C4 Hydrocarbon Pyrolysis

Hydrogen-Free Deoxygenation of Oleic Acid and Industrial Vegetable Oil Waste on CuNiAl Catalysts for Biofuel Production

The pyrolysis of vegetable oil waste is an alternative way to convert biomass into high-quality second-generation biofuels, with social, economic and environmental sustainability. The present work deals with the pyrolysis of oleic acid as a model compound and an industrial vegetable oil residue on CuNiAl mixed oxide catalysts, derived from layered double hydroxides. Reactions of the oils pre-adsorbed on the catalysts (catalyst:oil mass ratio of 5:1) were performed at 550 °C on a micro-pyrolysis system and the analyses of volatile products were carried out online using GC/MS. Copper addition to NiAl catalysts increased the cracking of oleic acid. Increasing copper content also decreased the formation of aromatics and coke precursors, as well as oxygenated compounds. The CuNiAl catalyst with a Cu/Ni ratio of 0.4 showed strong catalytic activity in the conversion of an industrial vegetable oil residue with a high volume of free fatty acids produced. Compared to the non-catalytic reaction, the catalyst reduced the content of oxygenates and increased the content of hydrocarbons, particularly in the gasoline range (C5–C9). The CuNiAl oxide catalyst was able to convert vegetable oil residues into hydrocarbons in the range of gasoline, kerosene and diesel, and also linear alkylbenzenes as chemical precursors for surfactant production.

Brewer´s spent yeasts for oenology: from characterisation to must fermentation

In order to follow the principles of the circular economy, the spent brewer´s yeasts were in this work evaluated to be considered as a raw material for production of yeast derivatives for oenology. They provide natural source of organic nutrition, improve organoleptic properties and physico-chemical stability of wines. In this work, the spent yeasts from different beer styles were evaluated for their primary characteristics. Three types of yeast derivatives were prepared, inactive yeasts used for active dry yeast rehydration, lysates for organic nitrogen supply during fermentation and yeast hulls for adsorption of fermentation inhibitors. The chemical properties, fermentation kinetics and aromatic compounds formation of spent yeast derivatives were comparable to the well-recognized commercial products. However, the sensory analysis of final wines revealed bread-like and yeast autolysis off-flavors.

Insight into the engine performance of pyro-oil synthesized through catalytic co-pyrolysis of mixed waste plastics in the presence of dolomite modified with silica and ZSM-5

The production of hydrocarbon-rich liquid fuels from mixed waste plastics through the catalytic pyrolysis process is reported including engine performance. Four different catalysts, viz., DOL, SiDOL, ZSM-5, and ZSMDOL, were prepared and characterized using XRD, FTIR, FE-SEM, and EDX. The catalytic activity was assessed in pyrolysis process to produce pyro-oils. The fuel properties were determined using various ASTM methods. The analysis showed that catalysts can change fuel properties such as viscosity, density, cloud & pour points, flash & fire points, calorific values, etc. The GC–MS results suggested a higher fraction (66–85%) of lower hydrocarbons (<C12) are formed during catalytic cracking as compared to thermal cracking (∼51%). FTIR and NMR analysis confirmed the presence of different hydrocarbons (paraffin, olefin, and aromatics) in pyro-oils. A higher percentage of aromatic hydrocarbons was seen with ZSM-5 catalyst due to diffusion of primary pyrolysis products into catalyst pores resulting in formation of aromatics via a common hydrocarbon pool and higher H/C value in the feedstock. Engine performance test with 10% pyro-oil blending enhanced the brake-thermal efficiency by 1.01–10% and reduces brake-specific fuel consumption by 8.72–10.1%. On the other hand, CO emission was reduced by 40.4%, 20%, 16.1%, 8.9%, and 6.2% when commercial diesel was blended with PO-NC, PO-DOL, PO-SiDOL, PO-ZSM, and PO-ZSMDOL, respectively. Similarly, the emissions of HC and NOx were reduced by 61% and 10.85%, respectively, when the pyro-oil blend was used. Approx. 54% reduction in carbon residue was also achieved in the case of catalytic pyro-oils blended fuel sample.