Analysis of the Catalytic Effects Induced by Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metals (AAEMs) on the Pyrolysis of Beech Wood and Corncob

The catalytic pyrolysis of beech wood and corncob was experimentally investigated considering six additives containing alkali alkaline earth metals (Na2CO3, NaOH, NaCl, KCl, CaCl2 MgCl2). Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) were carried out with raw feedstocks samples impregnated different concentrations catalysts. In a bid to better interpret observed trends, measured data analyzed using an integral kinetic modeling approach 14 reaction models. As highlights, this work showed that cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+) as well anions (i.e., CO32−, OH−, Cl−) influence in selective ways. Alkaline proven be more effective than fostering biomass decomposition, evidenced by decreases the characteristic temperatures activation energies. Furthermore, results obtained higher basicity catalyst, its efficiency well. Increasing quantities calcium- magnesium-based finally led enhancement decomposition process at low temperatures, although saturation phenomenon seen for high catalyst concentrations.