Catalytic co-pyrolysis of seaweeds and cellulose using mixed ZSM-5 and MCM-41 for enhanced crude bio-oil production

Catalytic co-pyrolysis of seaweed Enteromorpha clathrata (EN) and cellulose (CEL) with catalysts ZSM-5 and MCM-41 was investigated by TG, Py-GC/MS and fixed-bed experiments. The effects of temperature, catalysts, seaweed and cellulose ratio were examined on product yields distribution and bio-oil compositions by catalytic co-pyrolysis. The maximum bio-oil yield was recorded at the ratio of 1:1 (EN and CEL) with ZSM-5/MCM-41 at 500 degrees C on co-pyrolytic process. The interaction of radicals and faster heat transfer rate of EN/CEL induces the synergistic effects with catalysts. The advantage of mesoporous molecular sieve along with acidic microporous zeolite of ZSM-5/MCM-41 improved the cracking, dehydration, decarbonylation, decarboxylation, dealkylation, aromatization, oligomerization and deamination reactions. The overall study revealed that the amount of N-containing compounds were decreased and significantly elevated bio-oil production with increased furans and aromatics.