A review on biomass pyrolysis and pyrolysis mechanisms
Qiang He, Qi Wang, Jiyi Luan
Abstract
The escalating environmental and energy crises driven by fossil fuel dependence underscore the imperative for renewable alternatives. Biomass catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) emerges as a pivotal technology to convert lignocellulosic feedstocks into high-value biofuels, addressing carbon neutrality and energy security. This review synthesizes advancements in pyrolysis mechanisms, catalyst design (e.g. ZSM-5, metal oxides), and hydrogen-assisted strategies to enhance bio-oil quality and yield. Key focus areas include the structural influence of biomass components (cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin), radical-mediated reaction networks, and deoxygenation pathways. Hydrogen atmospheres suppress coke formation and improve aromatic selectivity, while hierarchical catalysts (e.g. MCM-48@Z5) balance product distribution and catalyst longevity. Despite progress, challenges persist, including catalyst deactivation, high oxygen content in bio-oils, and insufficient understanding of intermediate dynamics. Future directions emphasize stable catalyst development, integrated process optimization (e.g. in-line refining), and advanced characterization techniques to unravel reaction mechanisms. This work highlights the critical role of biomass pyrolysis in sustainable energy transition, offering actionable insights to bridge laboratory innovations with industrial scalability.