Catalytic Pyrolysis of Model Compounds Using Different Acidic Zeolites

Energy generation from biomass has been a promising alternative to reduce the dependence on energy derived from conventional fossil fuels. The liquid fuel derived from pyrolysis of biomass exhibits certain characteristics that limit its usage as an efficient transportation fuel. Several upgrading methods to produce aromatics and to selectively eliminate oxygenates derived from the pyrolysis process are available, among which catalytic pyrolysis and pre-treatment (torrefaction) process are gaining a lot of research attraction lately.

Fast pyrolysis of biomass using zeolite catalyst has shown to be effective in improving the aromatic production.  This study focuses on the aromatic production through catalytic pyrolysis of two model compounds. Biomass constituents—cellulose and lignin were used as model compounds.  Pre-treatment (torrefaction) was performed on the model compounds to observe the effect of torrefaction on the pyrolysis products. The influence of Si/Al ratio of zeolite catalyst on selectively eliminating oxygenates during the pyrolysis of raw and torrefied model compounds were investigated. Surface properties of the spent catalyst, coking were analyzed using SEM (Scanning electron microscopy) and Energy dispersion spectrum.