Py GC Research Articles

Investigating the Potential of the Er:YAG Laser for the Removal of Cemented Dust from Limestone and Painted Plaster

A successful application of Er:YAG laser for the cleaning of a restored Assyrian relief sculpture from the British Museum collection is presented. Displayed in the gallery, the sculpture has darkened over time due to the natural deposition of dirt, in particular on restored parts. Since traditional cleaning methods have demonstrated to be unsuccessful, a scientific investigation was performed to identify the composition of the soiling and the materials used for the restoration. The analysis suggested the presence of gypsum, calcium oxalate, carbonates and alumino-silicates on the encrustation. The molded plaster, composed of lime and gypsum and pigmented aggregates, was likely prepared at the end of the 19th century to mimic the stone color. It was repainted with what was identified as a modern oil-based overpaint, applied to cover darkening during a second conservation treatment in the 20th century. Laser trials were first performed on small areas of the objects and on mock-ups to determine the critical fluence thresholds of the surface, investigated through visual examination and analyses using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py–GC–MS). The right parameters and conditions to be used during the cleaning process were, therefore, determined. The chemical selectivity of the cleaning process allowed us to complete the treatment safely while preserving the restoration.

Determination of Polyvinyl Acetate in Chewing Gum Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Evaporative Light Scattering Detector and Pyrolyzer-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.

Polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) is used in various adhesive, paint, and transparent tape applications. It is also used as a food additive in food manufacturing to make chewing gum and fruit and vegetable glazes; however, guidelines on the amount of food additives that is used have not yet been established. In this study, a method was developed for analysis of polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) using high-performance liquid chromatography with an evaporative light scattering detector (HPLC–ELSD) and pyrolyzer–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py–GC–MS). The analytical methods were applied to commercially available chewing gum. In the HPLC–ELSD analysis, the linearity was acceptable (R2 > 0.999), and the limits of detection and quantification were 22.2 and 67.3 µg/mL, respectively. The accuracies of PVAc were 87–115% at spike levels of 200–1000 µg/mL for the intra- and inter-day tests. The contents of PVAc in the chewing gum samples were n.d. (not detected)—13.8 g/kg. The presence of PVAc in chewing gum was verified with Py–GC–MS analysis, finding the typical pyrolysates of PVAc, such as acetic acid, benzene, toluene, styrene, indane, naphthalene, and acenaphthene. The developed analytical methods can be applied for successful identification of PVAc in chewing gum.

A Case Study of Polyether Ether Ketone (I): Investigating the Thermal and Fire Behavior of a High-Performance Material.

The thermal and fire behaviors of a high-performance polymeric material—polyether ether ketone (PEEK) was investigated. The TG plots of PEEK under different oxygen concentrations revealed that the initial step of thermal decomposition does not greatly depend on the oxygen level. However, oxygen concentration plays a major role in the subsequent decomposition steps. In order to understand the thermal decomposition mechanism of PEEK several methods were employed, i.e., pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py–GC–MS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) coupled with a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). It was observed that the initial decomposition step of the material may lead to the release of noncombustible gases and the formation of a highly crosslinked graphite-like carbonaceous structure. Moreover, during the mass loss cone calorimetry test, PEEK has shown excellent charring and fire resistance when it is subjected to an incident heat flux of 50 kW/m². Based on the fire behavior and the identification of pyrolysis gases evolved during the decomposition of PEEK, the enhanced fire resistance of PEEK was assigned to the dilution of the flammable decomposition gases as well as the formation of a protective graphite-like charred structure during its decomposition. Moreover, at 60 kW/m², ignition occurred more quickly. This is because a higher rate of release of decomposition products is achieved at such a heat flux, causing a higher concentration of combustibles, thus an earlier ignition. However, the peak of heat release rate of the material did not exceed 125 kW/m².

Uniformly 13C Labeled Lignin Internal Standards for Quantitative Pyrolysis−GC−MS Analysis of Grass and Wood

With the ever-advancing lignocellulose valorization strategies, lignin analyses need to advance as well. However, lignin quantification still heavily relies on unspecific, time- and sample-consuming gravimetric, and spectrophotometric analyses. Here, we demonstrate that lignin isolates from uniformly 13C-labeled wheat straw, willow, and douglas fir serve as “ideal” internal standards for pyrolysis gas chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (py–GC–HR-MS) analyses of plant biomass, allowing the accurate and precise quantification and structural characterization of lignin in grasses, hardwoods, and softwoods. The 13C lignin internal standards were comprehensively structurally characterized by HSQC NMR and py–GC–HR-MS analyses, and their application for lignin quantification was validated in biomass model systems and in actual plant biomass. For all botanical origins and species, the lignin content was determined within 5% relative deviation of the Klason benchmark. These results establish the capab...

The evolution of the materials used in the yun technique for the decoration of Burmese objects: lacquer, binding media and pigments

A series of Burmese lacquered objects decorated with the yun (incised) technique and belonging to the British Museum’s collection was analysed with the aim to investigate the decorative materials—lacquer, binding media, additives and pigments—used in the production of these objects, which span chronologically from the eighteenth century to the late twentieth century. As the manufacturing process is supposed to have remained very similar over this time period, especially regarding the use of materials, we were interested in scientifically assessing for the first time the nature of these materials and the correspondence to the written sources in the relation to their specific use. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and analytical pyrolysis with in situ silylation coupled with GC–MS (Py(HMDS)GC–MS) were used for the identification of the organic components in several samples taken from the coloured areas of the objects. Fibre optic reflectance (FORS) and Raman spectroscopies were used to identify the pigments after a visual investigation of the samples by digital microscopy. Burmese lacquer was detected in all objects and trends in its degradation were highlighted. Lipids, proteins and saccharide material were found to be mixed with lacquer, and they appeared to be applied with specific pigments, in good agreement with the written records, apart from proteins, which are not mentioned. The use of synthetic pigments, such as phthalocyanines blue and green and chrome yellow, was assessed in the most recent objects, showing an evolution in the use of pigments. Indigo, although expected, was not identified in any of the green samples and Prussian blue appeared to be the main source of blue colour. All this information is of fundamental importance for conservation practices and corrects the general opinion about the production materials of these objects. These results also open the way to future research dedicated to exploring the chemical interaction between Burmese lacquer, proteins, lipids, gums and pigments, with the aim to predict possible differences in degradation pathways.

Thermal profile of 4,4′-dinitrocarbanilide determined by thermogravimetry–differential scanning calorimetry–mass spectrometry (TG–DSC–MS) and pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py–GC–MS)

Nicarbazin is an anticoccidial used in poultry production. Its residue of concern left in chicken meat is 4,4′-dinitrocarbanilide (DNC) whose content can be reduced through meat thermal processing. Thermal analysis techniques can be considered to elucidate how DNC degradation proceeds. This study aimed to investigate the thermal behavior of DNC using TG–DSC–MS and Py–GC–MS. TG–DSC–MS data showed that DNC decomposition occurs in a single step (252–280 °C) as an endothermic event (ΔH of 670 J g−1). Fragments detected at m/z 43, 44 and 65 indicated the release of isocyanic acid, carbon dioxide and 4-nitroaniline as breakdown products. In addition, Py–GC–MS analysis confirmed that DNC is thermally degraded above 250 °C generating 4-nitrophenyl isocyanate and 4-nitroaniline as the major pyrolysis products. Findings obtained from thermal analysis herein are useful to better comprehend the DNC disappearance after submitting chicken meat to heat processing.

Pyrolysis comprehensive gas chromatography and mass spectrometry: A new tool to assess the purity of ancient collagen prior to radiocarbon dating

Exogenous carbonaceous contaminants coming from sediments significantly bias the radiocarbon date of collagen samples extracted from archaeological bone and teeth. In this study, a new approach combining pyrolysis, comprehensive gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (Py-GC × GC/MS) was proposed to ensure their removal during the demineralization and bone collagen extraction. This approach permitted to identify hydrocarbon contaminants for archaeological samples from the Neolithic period, in 30–40 μg of collagen. The use of 2D GC improved importantly the separation, selectivity and resolution compared to 1D GC thus permitting to detect organic contaminants within the complex chromatograms issued from collagen pyrolysis. Moreover, efficiency of the extraction steps in collagen sample preparation for radiocarbon dating (acid and alkali treatments, filtration steps) could be evaluated for four different protocols on the basis of organic contaminant removal. Radiocarbon dating of the extracted collagen of four of the tested protocols corroborated the results of the Py GC × GC/MS data. This approach opens new perspectives for the use of comprehensive gas chromatography in the domain of archaeological sciences.

Thermal stability and products chemical analysis of olive leaf extract after enzymolysis based on TG–FTIR and Py–GC–MS

Olive leaf extract pretreated by enzymolysis was selected for studying the thermal stability at different heating rates by thermogravimetric coupled with infrared spectroscopy (TG–FTIR) and nonisothermal theoretical analysis, and products analysis by pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py–GC–MS). Results revealed that thermal decomposition of ethyl acetate extract from olive leaf extract pretreated by enzymolysis (EAEEH) consisted of two steps and had a lower thermal stability. The nonisothermal decomposition kinetics mechanism of EAEEH was D3 model (three-dimensional diffusion, Jander equation, the first step) and F3 model (chemical reaction, n = 3, the second step). TG–IR showed –CH3, –C=C–, –OH, –C–O were continuously accelerated to produce, and evolved gas were CO2, water, CO and CH4 at the end. In addition, it was found that there were mainly polyphenols with phenolic hydroxyl groups in the pyrolysis products by Py–GC–MS, and it was also explained for the thermal stability results. This will provide a theoretical guidance for thermal application of EAEEH in the safe natural food additives, cosmetic and medicine.

Pyrolysis analyses and bulk kinetic models of the Late Cretaceous oil shales in Jordan and their implications for early mature sulphur-rich oil generation potential

In this study, oil shale samples were collected from Late Cretaceous Muwaqaar Chalk Marl Formation (MCM) in Jordan to study their petrologic and organic geochemical properties. Pyrolysis and bulk kinetic techniques were performed on the Late Cretaceous oil shales. The results of this study were used to characterize the different organofacie types in the Late Cretaceous oil shales and their effect on the petroleum type generated during thermal maturation and the temperature of petroleum generation. On the basis of the geochemical results, the analysed Late Cretaceous oil shales contain predominantly Type II and rarely Type I kerogens.These kerogens are consistent with the high dominate of sapropel organic matter (i.e., alginite and amorphous organic matter). A good correlation is noted between increasing abundance of organic matter and the kerogen type that was derived from an open pyrolysis–gas chromatography (Py–GC). The Py–GC data indicate the analysed oil shale samples contain heterogeneous organic matter of the kerogen Type II-S. It is interesting to know that this sulphur-rich kerogen (Type II-S) can generate high sulphur oils at low maturity ranges. This is consistent with the predicted temperature petroleum generation from bulk kinetic models. The bulk kinetic models in this study indicate that the main phase of petroleum formation from the thermally immature Late Cretaceous oil shales occur between 122 and 148 °C. These temperature values of the petroleum generation are generally consistent with the kerogen type II-S and further indicate that the analysed oil shale samples can generate sulfur-rich oils at early stage of kerogen cracking.

Molecules and functions of rosewood: Pterocarpus cambodianus

Pterocarpus is a high-end, expensive furniture materials collectively. Pterocarpus products have a certain human health function. In this paper, Pterocarpus cambodianus Pierre as an example, we study its human health components by using PY–GC–MS, TDS–GC–MS and GC–MS. The composition of known human health functions was studied by reviewing the literature. 1-Heptatriacotanol has anti-hypercholesterolemic effects. Cryptomeridiol is a natural product of anti-Alzheimer's disease and antispasmodic nature, and has a significant medicinal value. 7-Methyl-Z-tetradecen-1-ol acetate has the effect of heat and heat cough. .alpha.-Bisabolol can be used to treat leishmaniasis caused by Lactobacillus infants.

Molecules and functions of rosewood: Diospyros celebica

Pterocarpus and Pterocarpus products have certain human health function. In this paper, Diospyros celebica Bakh as an example, we study its human health components by using PY–GC–MS, TDS–GC–MS and GC–MS. The composition of known human health functions was studied by reviewing the literature. 3-O-Methyl-d-glucose has a certain conservation property, and it can protect the pancreatic B cells against the toxicity of alloxan. P-Cresol plays a role in endothelial dysfunction in uremic patients, and it can repair wounds and reduce endothelial progression. 2(3H)-Furanone, 5-methyl-has certain biological resistance, and has high antimicrobial activity against NCIM 2501 and NCIM 5021.

Molecules and functions of rosewood: Dalbergia stevenson

In this paper, the organic solvent extract was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), TG, Py–GC–MS and TD–GC–MS were used to analyze the Dalbergia stevenson. And then, the pyrolysis products were analyzed by GC–MS. The chromatographic peak area normalization method was used to calculate the groups the relative content of the points. The results show that there are many kinds of bioactive ingredients in the berzolis sandalwood extract, mainly some alcohols and phenolic compounds. And in bio-energy, bio-medicine, cosmetics, skin care products and spices and other fields have potential application prospects.

Heat Treatment Effect on Lignin and Carbohydrates in Corsican Pine Earlywood and Latewood Studied by PY–GC–MS Technique

Lignin-derived degradation products from non-treated (NT) and heat-treated (T) Corsican pine (Pinus nigra subsp. laricio) obtained by pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py–GC–MS) were investigated, whereby the earlywood (EW) and latewood (LW) parts of the annual ring were considered separately. The data evaluation was done by principal component analysis (PCA) and the Kruskal–Wallis test. There are no differences in the pyrolysis products composition between EW and LW, but NT and T samples were discernible by PCA applied to Py–GC–MS data. Less phenols with longer chains (4-vinylguaiacol, and trans-isoeugenol) than those with shorter chains (guaiacol, 4-methylguaiacol) and an increase of anhydrosugar (AHS) were found among the pyrolysis products after heat treatment. These signs for autocondensation and side chain cleavages in the lignin during heat treatment were more evident in the EW than in the LW and for the crystallization of cellulose. A slight decrease of the carbohydrate/lignin ratio (C/L) after heat treatment indicates a greater degradation of carbohydrates compared to lignin. The relation of pyrolysis products of lignin and mechanical properties of wood was evaluated by regression analysis. An inverse correlation between short-chain phenols and MOE and a direct correlation between long-chain phenols and compression strength was found in case of NT wood, while a weak positive correlation could be observed between short-chain phenols and the density in T wood.

Thermal Carbon Analysis Enabling Comprehensive Characterization of Lignin and Its Degradation Products

We have developed a novel thermal carbon analysis (TCA) method that provides both carbon mass balance and thermal fractionation profiles. Though not providing chemical structural information, this method enables a comprehensive characterization of both lignin and its degradation products, potential renewable and sustainable feedstocks. TCA is essential as a complement to a qualitative chemical speciation by thermal desorption–pyrolysis gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (TD–Py–GC–MS). Mono- and diaromatic oxygenated compounds were used as model compounds to optimize the method. The influence of various parameters such as solvents, amounts of sample loaded, and temperature ramp configuration, were investigated. A multistep temperature program with TD and pyrolytic temperatures with and without oxygen was employed for analysis of untreated lignin, where up to 55 wt % evolved in the presence of oxygen only, this fraction being unaccounted for by currently used methods. The TCA results were supported by the...

Synergetic Effect of Co-pyrolysis of Cellulose and Polypropylene over an All-Silica Mesoporous Catalyst MCM-41 Using Thermogravimetry–Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Pyrolysis–Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry

Biomass is one of the promising alternative materials to solve the energy and environmental crisis. Fast pyrolysis is one of the most economical and commercially realizable technologies to convert biomass to useable fuels and chemicals. To improve the liquid products, co-pyrolysis with polypropylene (PP) over a mesoporous catalyst MCM-41 was studied in this paper. Thermogravimetry–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG–FTIR) and pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py–GC–MS) were used as the main analysis methods to study the mass loss and detailed products of the co-pyrolysis. The mass loss, main functional groups, and identified products of pyrolysis of cellulose, PP, and their mixture were analyzed and discussed. All of the TG, FTIR, and Py–GC–MS data show that there is no significant synergism between cellulose and PP when simply mixing them, although the C/Heff of the mixture increases from 0 to 1.3. However, the addition of MCM-41 bring significant synergism. The TG and differential ...

Pyrolysis Behaviours of Microalgae Nannochloropsis gaditana

In this study, the pyrolysis behaviours of marine microalgae biomass, Nannochloropsis gaditana, were investigated at three different temperatures (400, 500, 600 °C). Experiments were conducted in the presence of N2 with a flow rate of 50 cm3/h using a 1-kg fixed-bed reactor. The effects of pyrolysis conditions such as temperature on product yields were studied. The char, bio-oil, and gaseous samples obtained were analysed for elemental trace metals using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and gas chromatography with mass detection (GC–MS). Raw Nannochloropsis gaditana samples were also analysed by pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py–GC–MS). Mass and energy balances were calculated. The results indicate that the bio-oil from the pyrolysis of Nannochloropsis gaditana under 600 °C had the highest heating value (12.6 MJ/kg) and was obtained with the highest efficiency (38–40%). Alkanes and alkenes, such as tetradecane, pentadecane, heptadecene, and octadecene, were identified in the liquid products, and the highest contents of alkanes and alkenes were determined in the bio-oil obtained under 500 °C. In these pyrolysis conditions, gaseous products exhibited the highest concentrations of methane (greater than 50% in the maximum range). These properties of the bio-oil and its gaseous products demonstrated that Nannochloropsis gaditana can be used as a renewable energy resource and chemical feedstock. The biochar from all processes contained almost 70% ash and, in this particular case, can be used as, for example, a fertilizer because it does not contain any heavy metals.

The characteristics of bound biomarkers released from asphaltenes in a sequence of naturally biodegraded oils

Previous studies have showed that the hydrocarbon biomarkers bound in asphaltenes can preserve original geochemical information during subsequent thermal alteration and biodegradation relative to their free counterparts in crude oil. In the present study, asphaltenes separated from a set of heavy oils which possess an identical source origin and similar thermal maturity, but have experienced different degrees of biodegradation, were analysed to study the influence of biodegradation on the bound biomarkers of asphaltenes. On-line flash pyrolysis directly coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py–GC–MS) was used on these asphaltenes to release the hydrocarbon biomarkers bound within the asphaltene structure. Additionally, the free biomarker profiles in these oils were investigated by GC–MS for a comparison with the bound phase in the corresponding asphaltenes. The results reveal that most of the free biomarkers in the reservoired oils were significantly altered at heavy to severe biodegradation stages, and thus lost much original geochemical information. However, the biomarkers bound in the asphaltenes show very little alteration due to biodegradation, and they also appear to be less mature than their free counterparts in the corresponding oils. This indicates that the bound biomarker profiles in asphaltene flash pyrolysates can represent “original oils” at an early and low thermal maturity stage. Therefore, the biomarker parameters on the basis of asphaltene flash pyrolysates can still be used as indices for correlation studies even though the oils were heavily to severely biodegraded.

Elemental analysis and characterization of electrical tape backings by LA-ICP-MS

Adhesive tapes are commonly found as physical evidence in cases involving violent crimes and national security threats. This research evaluated the utility of Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) for the characterization of chemical signatures of electrical tapes for forensic comparison and provenance purposes. The backings of 90 black electrical tapes, previously characterized by microscopical examination, Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Pyrolysis–Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (Py–GC–MS), were analyzed by LA-ICP-MS to evaluate the ability of the technique to discriminate samples originating from different sources and to associate pieces of tapes originating from the same roll. The results showed that LA-ICP-MS is a useful tool that complements current protocols for the organic and inorganic characterization and comparison of electrical tapes and results in improved discrimination and superior characterization. The developed LA-ICP-MS method alone provided 94% correct discrimination of the tapes known to originate from different rolls and 100% correct association of the tapes known to originate from the same roll. Moreover, LA-ICP-MS captured a large amount of compositional information, as the use of elemental profiles alone provide similar discrimination and classification capabilities as all the conventional methods together. The analytical sensitivity of LA-ICP-MS provides a means for the classification of tapes to support investigations as well as the potential for database searching capabilities in the future.

HYDROCARBON GENERATION POTENTIAL AND DEPOSITIONAL ENVIRONMENT OF SHALES IN THE CRETACEOUS NAPO FORMATION, EASTERN ORIENTE BASIN, ECUADOR

Marine shale samples from the Cretaceous (Albian-Campanian) Napo Formation (n = 26) from six wells in the eastern Oriente Basin of Ecuador were analysed to evaluate their organic geochemical characteristics and petroleum generation potential. Geochemical analyses included measurements of total organic carbon (TOC) content, Rock-Eval pyrolysis, pyrolysis — gas chromatography (Py—GC), gas chromatography — mass-spectrometry (GC—MS), biomarker distributions and kerogen analysis by optical microscopy. Hydrocarbon accumulations in the eastern Oriente Basin are attributable to a single petroleum system, and oil and gas generated by Upper Cretaceous source rocks is trapped in reservoirs ranging in age from Early Cretaceous to Eocene. The shale samples analysed for this study came from the upper part of the Napo Formation T member (“Upper T”), the overlying B limestone, and the lower part of the U member (“Lower U”).The samples are rich in amorphous organic matter with TOC contents in the range 0.71–5.97 wt% and Rock-Eval Tmax values of 427–446°C. Kerogen in the B Limestone shales is oil-prone Type II with δ13C of −27.19 to −27.45‰; whereas the Upper T and Lower U member samples contain Type II–III kerogen mixed with Type III (δ13C > −26.30‰). The hydrocarbon yield (S2) ranges from 0.68 to 40.92 mg HC/g rock (average: 12.61 mg HC/g rock). Hydrogen index (HI) values are 427–693 mg HC/g TOC for the B limestone samples, and 68–448 mg HC/g TOC for the Lower U and Upper T samples. The mean vitrinite reflectance is 0.56–0.79% R0 for the B limestone samples and 0.40–0.60% R0 for the Lower U and Upper T samples, indicating early to mid oil window maturity for the former and immature to early maturity for the latter. Microscopy shows that the shales studied contain abundant organic matter which is mainly amorphous or alginite of marine origin. Extracts of shale samples from the B limestone are characterized by low to medium molecular weight compounds (n-C14 to n-C20) and have a low Pr/Ph ratio (≈ 1.0), high phytane/n-C18 ratio (1.01–1.29), and dominant C27 regular steranes. These biomarker parameters and the abundant amorphous organic matter indicate that the organic matter was derived from marine algal material and was deposited under anoxic conditions. By contrast, the extracts from the Lower U and Upper T shales contain medium to high molecular weight compounds (n-C25 to n-C31) and have a high Pr/ Ph ratio (>3.0), low phytane/n-C18 ratio (0.45–0.80) with dominant C29 regular steranes, consistent with an origin from terrigenous higher plant material mixed with marine algae deposited under suboxic conditions. This is also indicated by the presence of mixed amorphous and structured organic matter. This new geochemical data suggests that the analysed shales from the Napo Formation, especially the shales from the B limestone which contain Type II kerogen, have significant hydrocarbon potential in the eastern part of the Oriente Basin. The data may help to explain the distribution of hydrocarbon reserves in the east of the Oriente Basin, and also assist with the prediction of non-structural traps.

Kinetic and product composition study on the cellulose liquefaction in polyhydric alcohols

The liquefaction process of cellulose in polyhydric alcohols (PEG 400 and glycerol) was studied by TG-FTIR. Three stages were observed during the solvolysis process and the main liquefaction stage could be further divided into two zones. The differences of liquefaction behavior of cellulose in the two solvents were compared, and the functional groups of volatiles produced by solvolysis were also evaluated. A step-wise procedure based on iso-conversional and Master-plots methods was used for the kinetic and mechanism analysis of the main liquefaction stage. The calculation results based on the kinetic model were in agreement with the experimental data of the conversion rate. The kinetic parameters and mechanism functions between cellulose liquefaction in PEG400 and in glycerol were quite different, which verified that solvolysis behavior and reaction process were seriously influenced by solvent species. Finally, the detailed types of volatiles and product distribution were measured by Py–GC–MS.