The pyrolysis of biomass is a common method used in the preparation of biofuels. The trace components found within these fuels differ based on the plant mass used in preparation of the biofuels. The pyrolysates of many common biomasses, such as fir trees, saw dust, rice straw, and algae, contain gamma-butyrolactone, a cyclic ester with chemical formula C4H6O2. It is important to understand the pyrolysis mechanism of gamma-butyrolactone so that the environmental impact of various biofuels can be predicted. In these experiments, the pyrolysis products of gas-phase gamma-butyrolactone were identified using a pulsed hyperthermal nozzle and matrix isolation Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Previous studies in the literature have identified some pyrolysis products such as carbon dioxide and ethylene using different methods which detect the products after relatively long reaction times. The experiments described here involve reaction times on the order of 100 μs and thus can detect products in the earliest steps of pyrolysis, making it possible to identify unknown products and intermediates. The determination of pyrolysis products of gamma-butyrolactone allows for a better understanding of the mechanisms of decomposition during the production and use of biofuels.

Identification of the pyrolysis products of gamma-butyrolactone

2019 Fall National Meeting

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