Data-driven prediction of biomass pyrolysis pathways toward phenolic and aromatic products

Abstract This study clarifies the reaction pathway for biomass pyrolysis to phenolic compounds and aromatic hydrocarbons by analyzing 20 biomass samples using a central composite design and response surface plot. The pyrolysis reaction was performed using two integrated fixed-bed reactors. The product yield was significantly affected by pyrolysis temperature when utilizing the thermal cracking, repolymerization, and Boudouard reaction pathways. The bio-oil used in the study was obtained from the volatile matter fraction, where the fixed carbon content strongly affected biochar yield. Regarding bio-oil composition, both pyrolysis temperature and biomass constituents, including hemicellulose and lignin, significantly affected the yield of phenolics and aromatic hydrocarbons. In addition, biomass pyrolysis reaction pathways toward phenolic compounds and aromatic hydrocarbons were proposed.