Slow pyrolysis of cork granules under nitrogen atmosphere: by-products characterization and their potential valorization

Cork granules (Quercus suber L.) were slowly pyrolyzed at temperatures between 400-700 °C and under N2 flow. While preserving its structure, some cells of the cork biochar became interconnected, allowing such carbon residue to be used as templates for manufacturing ceria redox materials. The pyrolytic char morphology was similar that natural precursor. produced belonged Class 1 (C > 60%) possessed a high heating value 32 MJ kg?1. Other pyrolysis-derived compounds identified quantified through GC-FID GC-MS analyses. yield gases released during pyrolysis strongly dependent on temperature due thermal decomposition reactions involved in degradation cork. In particular, rising from 500 700 ºC resulted reducing total hydrocarbon 74 24 vol%. On other hand, H2 increased 0 58% by increasing 400 ºC. Due presence suberin cork, composition bio-oil could regulated temperature. found consist long-chain hydrocarbons (from C11 C24). resulting slow residues is suitable an appropriate feedstock producing aliphatic-rich biofuels or source olefins. Overall, findings this study suggest Quercus L. promising biofuel production route contribute environmental economic sustainability industry.