Enhanced CH4 Production from Corn-Stalk Pyrolysis Using Ni-5CeO2/MCM-41 as a Catalyst

Abstract

Production of syngas from lignocellulosic biomass though pyrolysis is a promising solution for the large-scale utilization of biomass. However, current pyrolysis approaches suffer from the relative low product yield and selectivity, limiting their practical application. To solve this problem, a series of nickel-based catalysts including Ni/MCM-41, Ni-5CeO2/MCM-41, and Ni-5La2O3/MCM-41 were prepared and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N2 adsorption–desorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and H2-temperature-programmed reaction (TPR) analysis. It was observed that the simultaneous addition of Ni and CeO2 to MCM-41 could increase the reducibility of Ni and the number of active Ni0 sites on the surface of the catalyst. Consequently, Ni-5CeO2/MCM-41 gave a CH4 yield of 14.6 mmol/g, which is remarkably higher than that (10.5 mmol/g) obtained in the absence of the catalyst. Meanwhile, the CO and H2 yields increased slightly, while the CO2 yield decreased slightly. Therefore, the improved CH4 yield and selectivity was mainly due to the increased decomposition of tarry compounds catalyzed by Ni/MCM-41 with the assistance of CeO2.

Study of Energy Valorization of Disposable Masks via Thermochemical Processes: Devolatilization Tests and Simulation Approach

“…Despite different approaches to pyrolytic studies of polypropylene and polyethylene recovery into liquid products and condensable products [8,9] and catalytic degradation of waste plastic [10], gasification and high-temperature pyrolysis are mature processes that convert solid fuels (coal, waste materials, petroleum coke, or biomasses) to usable synthesis gas, or syngas (i.e., a mix of CO, H 2 , CH 4 , and CO 2 in variable proportions) [11,12]. The gasification process is fundamentally different from combustion: instead of producing only heat and electricity, the syngas produced can be converted into higher-value commercial products such as chemicals, transportation fuels, fertilizers, and substitute natural gas [13].…”