Non-catalytic and catalytic pyrolysis of Ulva prolifera macroalgae for production of quality bio-oil. Issue 1 (February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ma, Chuantao; Geng, Jiguo; Zhang, Dong; Ning, Xuefeng
• Is Part Of: Journal of the Energy Institute. Volume 93:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: 303
• Page End: 311
• Publication Date: 2020-02
• Subjects: Catalytic pyrolysis -- Macroalgae -- Fixed-bed rector -- Zeolites -- Bio-oil; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Fuel -- Periodicals; 621.04205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.joei.2019.03.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-9671

Abstract

Abstract: Pyrolysis of Ulva prolifera macroalgae (UM), an aquatic biomass, was carried out in a fixed-bed reactor in the presence of three zeolites based catalysts (ZSM-5, Y-Zeolite and Mordenite) with the different catalyst to biomass ratio. A comparison between non-catalytic and catalytic behavior of ZSM-5, Y-Zeolite and Mordenite catalyst in the conversion of UM showed that is affected by properties of zeolites. Bio-oil yield was increased in the presence of Y-Zeolite while decreased with ZSM-5 and Mordenite catalyst. Maximum bio-oil yield for non-catalytic pyrolysis was (38.5 wt%) and with Y-Zeolite catalyst (41.3 wt%) was obtained at 400 °C respectively. All catalyst showed a higher gas yield. The higher gas yield might be attributed to that catalytic pyrolysis did the secondary cracking of pyrolytic volatiles and promoted the larger small molecules. The chemical components and functional groups present in the pyrolytic bio-oils are identified by GC–MS, FT-IR, 1 H-NMR and elemental analysis techniques. Phenol observed very less percentage in the case of non-catalytic pyrolysis bio-oil (9.9%), whereas catalytic pyrolysis bio-oil showed a higher percentage (16.1%). The higher amount of oxygen present in raw biomass reduced significantly when used catalyst due to the oxygen reacts with carbon and produce (CO and CO2 ) and water. Highlights: Catalytic pyrolysis of U. prolifera was studied at different temperatures and catalysts. Maximum bio-oil (41.3 wt%) was obtained with Y-Zeolite catalyst. Catalysts properties significantly affects product distribution and product properties. Bio-oils were mainly composed of long chain nitrogen containing compounds.