Title:
Siderite/Concrete Catalyst to Improve Bio-oil Quality from Residual Biomass Pyrolysis
Author(s):
Vilas Boas, A.C.M., Ruivo, L.C.M., Moura, J.M.O., Nunes, M.I.S., Silvestre, A.J.D., Tarelho, L.A.C.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
Pyrolysis is a promising process for converting residual biomass into bio-oil, a potential source of biofuels and chemical compounds capable of replacing fossil-derived products. Bio-oil can be integrated into conventional refineries or future biorefineries. However, raw bio-oil has several limitations, such as high oxygen concentration, high viscosity, chemical instability and high water concentration. In this context, the use of catalysts in the pyrolysis process has proven to be a promising strategy for improving bio-oil quality, particularly through oxygen concentration reduction. This study evaluated the performance of a low-cost bifunctional catalyst based on activated and granulated siderite and concrete in the pyrolysis of Eucalyptus globulus sawdust. The pyrolysis experiments were carried out in a fixed-bed quartz reactor at 550.°C with a heating rate of 30.°C/min, using a catalyst composed of siderite/concrete in a mass ratio of 1:1 and a 1:1.5 mass ratio of catalyst/biomass. The application of the catalyst led to a reduction in bio-oil yield and an increase in permanent gas yield, indicating the conversion of condensable vapors into non-condensable gases. A 38 % reduction in the specific oxygen concentration of the organic fraction of bio-oil was observed, along with a 19 % decrease in the O/C molar ratio. Simultaneously, water formation increased by approximately 21 %, confirming the occurrence of dehydration reactions. GC-MS analysis of the bio-oil revealed a decrease in the relative abundance (as measured by the relative area) of anhydrosugars and aromatic compounds, and an increase in low-molecular-weight non-aromatic oxygenated and furanics compounds. Therefore, the catalyst demonstrated potential for improving bio-oil quality. Future work should focus on optimizing the catalyst/biomass ratio, evaluating pyrolysis temperatures, and assessing catalyst stability for industrial applications.
Keywords:
bio-oil, catalytic pyrolysis, eucalyptus globulus sawdust, siderite/concrete
Topic:
Biomass Conversion to Intermediate Bioenergy Carriers and Sustainable Biofuels
Subtopic:
Pyrolysis
Event:
33rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
5BV.8.21
Pages:
1029 - 1035
ISBN:
978-88-89407-25-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/33rdEUBCE2025-5BV.8.21
Price:
FREE
