Catalytic co-pyrolysis of waste pistachio nutshells and polystyrene: optimisation of parameters, and catalyst loading on the products yield and composition
Harsh Desai, Rohit Dutta, Tanushka Florence Panicker, Sampath Chinnam, Ranjeet Kumar Mishra, Srinivas Kini Manjeshwar, Pradeep Kumar
Abstract
, reduced oxygen content (11.69 wt%), and lower viscosity (36.40 cP). Similarly, the resulting biochar exhibited high carbon content (76.57 wt%), low ash and moisture content (<1%), and enhanced calorific value, indicating its potential as a solid fuel or soil amendment. FTIR and NMR analyses confirmed the reduction of oxygenated functional groups and the presence of desirable hydrocarbon structures in the oil, while XRD and SEM analyses demonstrated improved structural properties of the char. The results highlight the synergistic benefits of co-processing biomass and plastic waste, as well as the catalytic role of CuO in enhancing product quality. This approach offers a sustainable waste-to-energy pathway, promoting circular economy principles and advancing the production of renewable fuels from mixed solid wastes.