Catalytic fast pyrolysis of sugarcane bagasse pith with HZSM-5 catalyst using tandem micro-reactor-GC-MS

ABSTRACT

Fast pyrolysis of biomass is praised as an efficient and feasible process to selectively convert lignocellulosic biomass into bio-fuels and bio-chemicals. Pith of sugarcane bagasse could be an attractive lignocellulosic waste from depithing process from pulp and paper mill, which can utilize for production of biofuel and added value products. In this study, we employed a tandem micro-reactor coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy to investigate the products distribution from pith of sugarcane bagasse via catalytic fast pyrolysis. In the operating conditions, pyrolysis temperature and HZSM-5 catalyst had significant effect on products and distributions. An increase in the pyrolysis temperature from 400°C to 550°C led to an increase in the yield of phenolic compounds (6.3%, w/w%), followed decrease at higher temperature. The maximum carboxylic acids (10.6%) and furfural (3.5%) were obtained at lower temperature. At presence of HZSM-5 catalyst, the selectivity of aromatics such as benzene, toluene, indene, and naphthalene were improved.

KEYWORDS:

• Pith of bagasse
• fast pyrolysis
• catalyst
• HZSM-5
• tandem micro-reactor

Acknowledgments

This work was made possible through the experimental facility and research staff of the engineering and technology institute Groningen University (ENTEG).

Funding

The authors greatly acknowledge the financial support from Iranian ministry scholarship of science, research and technology

Additional information

Funding

The authors greatly acknowledge the financial support from Iranian ministry scholarship of science, research and technology