Hydrothermal liquefaction of granular bacteria to high-quality bio-oil using Ni–Ce catalysts supported on functionalized activated carbon. (15th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hosseini, Mohammad; Hatefirad, Parvaneh; Salimi, Saeideh; Tavasoli, Ahmad
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 241(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02-15
• Subjects: Granular bacteria -- Hydrothermal liquefaction -- Ni–Ce Catalysts -- Functionalized activated carbon -- High-quality bio-oil; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2021.122875
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: Hydrothermal liquefaction of granular bacteria, a surplus byproduct in wastewater treatment units, was performed with and without catalyst. Process operating conditions including temperature, feed concentration and reaction time were optimized through the central composite method in Design-Expert Software to reach maximum bio-oil yield and energy recovery. The data obtained were 38.5% and 61.0% of bio-oil yield and energy recovery respectively, in optimum conditions of 332 °C, 14.22 wt% feed concentration and the reaction time of 44 min. To improve the quantity and quality of bio-oil, catalytic hydrothermal tests were investigated using Ni and Ce impregnated on activated carbon and functionalized activated carbon by HNO3 and H2SO4. The results showed that the functionalization of activated carbon and adding Ce promoter to the catalyst had a significant effect on improving the Ni catalyst activity. The highest bio-oil yield and energy recovery of 48.1 and 86.84% were achieved by using Ni–Ce/ACHNO3 Catalyst. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Conversion of granular bacteria as a novel and ideal biomass was performed into the bio-oil and activated carbon. Ni and Ni–Ce catalysts supported on activated carbon were applied to improve the quality and quantity of bio-oil. Functionalization of activated carbon carried out by HNO3 and H2 SO4 to enhance Ni activity. Ni–Ce/ACHNO3 as the best catalyst led to increase bio-oil yield and energy recovery, and reduce O, N and S contents.