Pyrolysis of cellulose under catalysis of SAPO-34, ZSM-5, and Y zeolite via the Py-GC/MS method

ABSTRACT

Bio-oil from pyrolysis of biomass is an important renewable source for liquid fuel and/or for chemicals. However, the application of bio-oil was severely restricted due to its high viscosity, acidity, and low heating value. Hence, it is necessary to upgrade the bio-oil for deoxygenation or for chemicals by catalytic reactions. In this paper, the catalytic behaviors of SAPO-34, ZSM-5, and Y zeolite on pyrolysis of cellulose were investigated via pyrolyzer combined with gas chromatography and mass spectrometer (Py-GC/MS) method in Py-mode. The results showed that ZSM-5 and Y zeolite could promote the conversions of oxygen-containing components to gases, water, aromatics, and phenols. Comparatively, more gas and water were generated under the catalysis of Y zeolite at lower temperatures, while at temperatures above 700°C, the effect of ZSM-5 became more distinct; aromatics were more generated under the catalysis of ZSM-5, while Y zeolite exerted a more distinct role in promoting the formation of phenols. The effect of SAPO-34 caused more water and furfural derivatives, less aromatics and phenols, and exerted a weak influence on gases.

KEYWORDS:

• Biomass
• catalysis
• pyrolysis
• upgrading
• zeolite

Funding

Gratitude to the support by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51476180), the International S&T Cooperation Program of China (2013DFG62640), and the State Key Laboratory of Motor Vehicle Biofuel Technology (KFKT2013006).

Additional information

Funding

Gratitude to the support by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51476180), the International S&T Cooperation Program of China (2013DFG62640), and the State Key Laboratory of Motor Vehicle Biofuel Technology (KFKT2013006).