Insight into the Pyrolysis of <i>Melocanna baccifera</i> Biomass: Pyrolysis Behavior, Kinetics, and Thermodynamic Parameters Analysis Based on Iso-conversional Methods
Pikesh Kumar, Kaustubha Mohanty
Abstract
High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Melocanna baccifera biomass’s thermal degradation was investigated in a nonisothermal thermogravimetric analyzer at four heating rates. Iso-conversional methods (differential Friedman, Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose, Ozawa–Flynn–Wall, Starink, and distributed activation energy) were used to analyze the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters. The pre-exponential factor and activation energy for all iso-conversional processes varied from 10 20 to 10 35 min –1 and 168.70 to 218.86 kJ mol –1 respectively. The average enthalpy and Gibbs free energy varied in the range 265.49 to 451.89 and 165.27 to 193.7 kJ mol –1, respectively, at maximum conversion. The highest product yield of liquid plus biochar (53.67 ± 0.7 wt %) was obtained at 550 °C during pyrolysis of biomass, and BET surface area and high heating values were 27.27 MJ kg –1 and 58.69 m 2 g –1, respectively, for biochar at the optimum condition (550 °C). GC–MS revealed the presence of phenols (42.18%), ketones (14.33%), carboxylic acids (2.37%), and alcohols (11.72%). Combining these results suggests that biochar and pyrolytic bio-oil have a variety of applications and that M. baccifera biomass can be used as a feedstock for producing sustainable chemicals and fuel.