Catalytic Co-Pyrolysis of Mesua ferrea L. De-Oiled Cake and Garlic Husk in the Presence of Red-Mud-Based Catalysts

• Published in: Catalysts Vol. 13; no. 11; p. 1401
• Main Authors: Kumar, Abhishek, Komandur, Janaki, Chaudhary, Vasu, Mohanty, Kaustubha
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01.11.2023
• Subjects: Alternative energy sources; Aluminum oxide; Aromatic compounds; Biodiesel fuels; Biofuels; Biomass; Calorific value; Carbon; Carbon content; Catalysts; catalytic co-pyrolysis; Energy consumption; Energy industry; Fuel production; Fuels; Garlic; garlic husk; Gas flow; Heating rate; Hydrocarbons; Lignocellulose; Mesua ferrea L. de-oiled cake; Ni/RM; Nitrogen; Organic chemicals; Pyrolysis; Rare gases; Raw materials; Red mud; Renewable energy sources; Seeds; Silicon dioxide; Sulfur; India
• ISSN: 2073-4344; 2073-4344
• DOI: 10.3390/catal13111401

Utilizing lignocellulosic biomass as a renewable energy source for the production of sustainable fuel is of paramount importance. This study focuses on the catalytic co-pyrolysis of Mesua ferrea L. de-oiled cake (MDC) and Garlic husk (GH) as potential feedstocks for bio-fuel production. The pyrolysis experiments were conducted using a semi-batch reactor under inert conditions at temperatures of 500, 550, and 600 °C, with a heating rate of 10 °C min−1, a particle size below 1 mm, and an inert gas flow rate of 80 mL min−1. The findings reveal that temperature significantly influences the yield of pyrolytic products. However, GC-MS analysis detected higher oxygenated compounds in the bio-oil, negatively impacting its heating value. To improve fuel quality, co-pyrolysis with and without a catalyst for a feedstock ratio of 1:1 w/w was performed. Red mud, an alkaline waste mainly composed of Fe2O3, Al2O3, and SiO2, is a hazardous environmental concern from aluminum production and is used as a catalyst. The red-mud catalysts reduced oxygen concentration and increased carbon content, acidity, and heating value in the pyrolytic oil. GC-MS analysis of the bio-oil confirmed that using catalysts combined with MDC and GH significantly decreased the concentration of acidic and aromatic compounds, thereby improving the pyrolytic oil’s higher heating value (HHV).