Pyrolysis of giant mullein (Verbascum thapsus L.) in a fixed-bed reactor: Effects of pyrolysis parameters on product yields and character

ABSTRACT

Slow pyrolysis of giant mullein (Verbascum thapsus L.) stalks have been carried out in a fixed-bed tubular reactor with (Al₂O₃, ZnO) and without catalyst at four different temperatures between 400 to 550°C with a constant heating rate of 50°C/min and with a constant sweeping gas (N₂) flow rate of 100 cm³/min. The amounts of bio-char, bio-oil, and gas produced were calculated and the compositions of the obtained bio-oils were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The effects of pyrolysis parameters, such as temperature and catalyst, on the product yields were investigated. The results show that both temperature and catalyst have significant effects on the conversion of Verbascum thapsus L. into solid, liquid, and gaseous products. The highest liquid yield of 40.43% by weight including the aqeous phase was obtained with 10% zinc oxide catalyst at 500°C temperature. Sixty-seven different products were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in the bio-oils obtained at 500°C temperature.

KEYWORDS:

• Biomass
• bio-oil
• energy
• giant mullein
• pyrolysis
• Verbascum thapsus L.