In situ catalytic fast pyrolysis over CeO2 catalyst: Impact of biomass source, pyrolysis temperature and metal ion

Abstract Catalytic conversion of pyrolysis vapor from biomass was performed over CeO2 catalysts to produce ketones. Thermogravimetric-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (TG-GC/MS) and TG-MS were applied to understand the distribution of pyrolysis vapors from various biomass including rape straw, poplar, cypress and bagasse. The favorable biomass feedstock with high yield of ketones and other useful components were screened out for directional ketonization. The results showed that the temperature range of biomass pyrolysis was generally below 400 °C, and bagasse was a reasonable raw material for ketonization with the highest yield of ketones of 33.68% at 380 °C, since it contained the most cellulose and hemicellulose in biomass of the same quality. The activity of acetone increased at higher temperature, and secondary reaction occurred, resulting in a reduction in the overall yield of ketones. The total yield of ketones from bagasse treated for 9 h was boosted by 16.18% higher than that from nonseawater-treated biomass. By the introduction of metal ions effectively, the component of the pyrolysis vapor changed, making it easier for large molecular substances to be converted to small ones during pyrolysis. Through this research, the effective utilization of biomass could be realized.