Catalytic action of CuAlS₂microparticles and nanoparticles in cellulose pyrolysis

Abstract

This paper explores the catalytic action of as-synthesized CuAlS 2 microparticles and nanoparticles on cellulose pyrolysis. The CuAlS 2 microparticles were synthesized by heating precursor elements at high temperatures in an evacuated quartz ampoule. CuAlS 2 nanoparticles were synthesized at ambient temperature by using a simple wet chemical technique. Before using the microparticles and nanoparticles for catalytic study, they were comprehensively characterized. The thermal analysis, including catalytic study of both the CuAlS 2 microparticles and nanoparticles on cellulose pyrolysis, was carried out by thermogravimetric (TG), differential thermogravimetric (DTG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) techniques. Prior to studying their role as catalysts in cellulose pyrolysis, the CuAlS 2 microparticles and nanoparticles were characterized by thermal analysis in an inert N 2 atmosphere. The TG analysis of as-synthesized CuAlS 2 microparticles and nanoparticles showed three and five steps of decomposition, with total weight losses of 6.89% and 53.37%, respectively. The TG analysis of pure cellulose and cellulose mixed with 10%, 5% and 2.5% CuAlS 2 microparticles and nanoparticles demonstrated that the nanoparticles are better catalysts in cellulose pyrolysis than the microparticles. The TG analysis results of cellulose pyrolysis have been supported by the DTA and DTG curves recorded simultaneously. The obtained results are explored in detail.

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“… 17 Catalytic pyrolysis is impacted by the composition and size of the catalyst, with smaller nanoparticle catalysts performing better than larger, micron-sized structures. 18 …”

“…Unfortunately, many of these catalysts show diminishing returns, with even highly robust silica/carbon nanocomposite catalysts optimized for reusability, showing approximately 10% loss after two reuses . Catalytic pyrolysis is impacted by the composition and size of the catalyst, with smaller nanoparticle catalysts performing better than larger, micron-sized structures …”

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