Lignocellulosic biomass is an abundant plant that can be utilized for the production of chemicals and fuels through thermochemical processes such as pyrolysis and gasification. To design optimal thermochemical processes for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into chemicals and fuels, it is crucial to understand the secondary vapor-phase cracking process of tar compounds. In this study, we focus on 4-ethylguaiacol, a compound found in biomass tar and derived from the lignin components of biomass. Pyrolysis experiments were conducted at temperatures between 300 and 900oC and one second residence time using a nonisothermal laminar-flow quartz reactor operated at atmospheric pressure. Condensable products were analyzed using GC-MS and light gases with the GC-FID/TCD. Conversion of 4-ethylguaiacol to products increased rapidly at temperatures about 400oC and complete conversion was achieved at 550oC. Temperature was found to have a marked effect on product composition. The major gas products observed were methane, ethane, ethylene, acetylene, benzene, and carbon monoxide.

Experimental study on the vapor-phase cracking of 4-ethylguaiacol

251st National Meeting (2016)

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