Co‐pyrolysis characteristics of polysaccharides‐cellulose and the co‐pyrolyzed compound distributions over two kinds of zeolite catalysts

Abstract

Summary Co‐pyrolysis characteristics of soluble polysaccharides‐cellulose were investigated through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), kinetic analysis, analytical pyrolyser coupled with gas chromatograph‐mass spectrometer (Py‐GC/MS) and subsequent density functional theory (DFT). Results from TGA and differential thermogravimetric analysis (DTG) analyses indicated that there were synergistic effects in the polysaccharides‐cellulose (PS‐CE) blends pyrolysis process. Surprisingly in co‐pyrolysis process from Py‐GC/MS analysis, the furans were suppressed, while the anhydrosugars were increased. The DFT calculation showed that free radicals pyrolyzed from soluble polysaccharides could suppress the ring‐opening reaction of D‐glucopyranose. The co‐pyrolyzed chemical compound distribution over the catalysts (MCM‐41, ZSM‐5 and their mixtures) was also detected through Py‐GC/MS analysis. Both the zeolites showed high selectivity for 5‐methyl‐2‐furaldehyde and 2‐furaldehyde. The two kinds of zeolites could induce the generation of furans but suppress the production of anhydrosugars, which was the opposite effect of the co‐pyrolysis of PS‐CE.

Comparative study on the one‐step and two‐step pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass: Effects of two‐step pyrolysis on improving product quality

“…Biomass is one of the most promising renewable energy sources that can be transformed into bio-oil, gas and bio-char products by fast pyrolysis. 1,2 The products have a broad application prospect in the fields of fuel, material and chemical industries. 3,4 The three components (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) of biomass have different thermostability and pyrolysis products.…”