Bio-based phenols and fuel production from catalytic microwave pyrolysis of lignin by activated carbons

Bioresour Technol. 2014 Jun:162:142-7. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2014.03.103. Epub 2014 Mar 28.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore catalytic microwave pyrolysis of lignin for renewable phenols and fuels using activated carbon (AC) as a catalyst. A central composite experimental design (CCD) was used to optimize the reaction condition. The effects of reaction temperature and weight hourly space velocity (WHSV, h(-1)) on product yields were investigated. GC/MS analysis showed that the main chemical compounds of bio-oils were phenols, guaiacols, hydrocarbons and esters, most of which were ranged from 71% to 87% of the bio-oils depending on different reaction conditions. Bio-oils with high concentrations of phenol (45% in the bio-oil) were obtained. The calorific value analysis revealed that the high heating values (HHV) of the lignin-derived biochars were from 20.4 to 24.5 MJ/kg in comparison with raw lignin (19 MJ/kg). The reaction mechanism of this process was analyzed.

Keywords: Activated carbon; Catalytic pyrolysis; Lignin; Phenols; Reaction mechanism.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biofuels*
  • Biotechnology / methods*
  • Catalysis
  • Charcoal / chemistry*
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
  • Hot Temperature*
  • Lignin / chemistry*
  • Microwaves*
  • Phenols / chemistry*

Substances

  • Biofuels
  • Phenols
  • Charcoal
  • Lignin