Assessing the potential for biofuel production of corn stover pyrolysis using a pressurized batch reactor
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Pyrolysis of corn stover was carried out in a pressurized batch reactor to investigate production of potential bio-fuels from biomass wastes. Product yields and characteristics as well as conversion efficiencies were evaluated at varying temperatures of 400, 500 and 600C and at moderate pressure. Maximum bio-char yield of 37.3 wt.% and liquid product yield of 31.4% were obtained at 400C while the gas yield was maximum at 600C (21.2 wt.%). Bio-char characterization through its energy content, proximate and ultimate analyses indicated its potential as alternative solid fuel, as revealed in the Van Krevelen diagram. FTIR and GC-MS analyses of the bio-oil showed that its major components are phenolic compounds, with significant proportions of aromatic and aliphatic compounds. The gas product mainly consisted of methane, hydrogen and carbon dioxide, with energy content ranging from 10.1 to 21.7 MJ m -3. Mass and energy conversion efficiencies were evaluated, which indicated that majority of the mass and energy contained in the feedstock was transferred to the bio-char. Results showed that pyrolysis of corn stover produced potentially valuable sources of fuel and chemical feedstock. 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
