Fast pyrolysis to produce fuels and desired chemicals is a technology on the cusp of profitable commercialization. In the last decade, a large number of papers have been published on catalytic upgrading of both pyrolysis vapors (in-situ) and condensed pyrolysis oils (ex-situ). However, our mechanistic understanding of these reactions is still very limited due to the profusion of chemical species that reach the catalyst in a real system. Predicting and controlling the spectrum of products from pyrolysis is critical for catalytic reaction engineering. To address this challenge, the authors of this presentation adapted a common Pyroprobe (CDS Analytical, Inc.) into a captive sample reactor for fast pyrolysis experiments (400-600 oC) under vacuum and atmospheric pressures. Pyrolysis products are vaporized and rapidly condensed on the walls of the reactor and the system is capable of monitoring of temperature and pressure. Experiments were performed under vacuum using thin sample films to isolate primary pyrolysis reactions and minimize secondary reactions. The results of these studies begin to elucidate the nature of primary pyrolysis reactions in cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin with respect to product distributions, gas and condensed vapor compositions, and thermal behaviors.

Primary pyrolysis products from cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin: Precursors to catalytic conversion

252nd National Meeting (2016)

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