Enhancement of BTX production via catalytic fast pyrolysis of almond shell, olive pomace with polyvinyl chloride mixtures
A. Alcazar-Ruiz, L. Sánchez-Silva, Fernando Dorado
Abstract
This work addresses enhanced benzene, toluene and xylene (BTX) production by catalytic fast co-pyrolysis from agroindustrial biomass blended with PVC and the use of prepared NaZSM-5 and HZSM-5. Results from catalytic fast pyrolysis of biomass indicates that oxygen-containing compounds decreased whereas aromatics increased. The catalytic effect of mineral content altered the co-pyrolysis intermediates by increasing the formation of mono-aromatics while reducing poly-aromatic hydrocarbons. Furthermore, the addition of PVC strongly influenced thermal decomposition of agricultural waste biomass, where BTX yields were enhanced up to 26.6% and 25.1% for 1:2 OP/PVC-HZ and 1:2 AS/PVC-HZ, respectively. Yields of toluene and xylene peaked at 19% and 10.5% hydrocarbon yields with 1:2 OP/PVC-HZ blend. Additionally, from the pyrolytic gas, CH4 yields increased while the CO2 yield fell due to oxygen removal by decarboxylation. These findings could provide a great insight into the olive pomace and almond shell valorization through an inexpensive and straightforward easy process.