Determination of pyrolysis characteristics and thermo-kinetics to assess the bioenergy potential of Phragmites communis

Abstract This study systematically investigated the bioenergy potential of Phragmites communis, a large perennial grass found in wetlands. The biofuel physicochemical characteristics of Phragmites were determined and a pyrolysis kinetic study and thermal behaviour analysis were performed. Thermal degradation was investigated by exposing dried and powdered biomass to different heating rates (10, 20, 30, and 40 ℃/min) using TG-FTIR-GC/MS. The pyrolysis process of Phragmites communis occurred in three stages, with maximum mass loss (59.32%) during the main stage of devolatilization in the range of 150–500 ℃. The iso-conversional models of Flynn-Wall-Ozawa method was applied to explain the reaction chemistry, with good statistical confidence (R2 ≥ 0.9). The kinetic reaction mechanism of the three sub-stages predicted by the master-plots is f(α) = 3α2/3; f(α) = 3α3/4; and f(α) = 2 (1 − α)2, respectively. The coupled TG-FTIR-GC/MS analyses allowed identification of the volatile species as the major pyrolytic products, including acids, ketones, furan, phenols, benzene, furan, and alkane. Based on the thermodynamic parameters of Phragmites communis, this material is a promising feedstock for bioenergy production, and this study provides theoretical and practical guidance for effective energy and resource utilization.