Pyrolysis of low-value waste sawdust over low-cost catalysts: physicochemical characterization of pyrolytic oil and value-added biochar

The present work deals with an experimental investigation into the generation and characterization of pyrolytic oil biochar from Sal wood sawdust (SW). pyrolysis experiment was performed in a semi-batch reactor at 500 oC 80 oC/min heating rate CaO, CuO, Al2O3 catalysts. Further, were investigated using different analyses, including proximate analysis, elemental thermal stability, GC-MS, FTIR, field emission scanning electron microscopy, electrical conductivity higher value (HHV), zeta potential ash content analysis. Pyrolysis results revealed that compared to (46.02 wt%), yield improved by catalytic CaO CuO (50.02 48.23 wt%, respectively). loading catalysts considerably oil's properties lowering its viscosity (69.50 22 cSt), (0.26 0.11 oxygen (28.32 to16.60 %) while raising acidity (4.2 9.6), (25.66 36.09 MJ/kg), carbon (61.79 74.28%). According FTIR contained hydrocarbons, phenols, aromatics, alcohols, oxygenated compounds. Additionally, GC-MS analysis showed significantly reduced fractions, phenols (20.23 15.26%), acids (12.23 6.56%), increased hydrocarbons (12 16 wt%). demonstrated SW appropriate for range industrial applications, catalysts, supercapacitors, fuel cells, bio-composite materials.