Promoted production of phenol from lignin pyrolysis over biochar-based catalysts by Fe and Ni co-loading

In this study, the effect of metal-loaded biochar as a catalyst on the catalytic pyrolysis of lignin was investigated. The metal active sites (Ni, Fe) were introduced into the pine sawdust-derived biochar by an incipient-wetness impregnation method, and then the prepared catalysts were tested in catalytic pyrolysis of lignin in a fixedbed reactor. The results showed that the relative content of phenolic compounds increased to 79.69%-90.46% during the pyrolysis of lignin under the function of biochar-based catalysts. The biochar introduced with bimetallic Fe/Ni enhanced the dissociation of side chains of alkylphenols in the pyrolysis process. The selectivity to phenol increased from 14.52% to 49.02%, which simplified the composition of bio-oil. Bio-oil rich in hydrocarbons and phenols can be used as a substitute for petroleum fuel or as an industrial-grade chemical. Thus, low-cost and readily available Fe/Ni biochar-based catalysts provide an effective research basis for production of aromatic compounds in catalytic pyrolysis of biomass.