The role of catalytic iron in enhancing volumetric sugar productivity during autothermal pyrolysis of woody biomass

Passivation of naturally occurring AAEM in biomass enhances sugar yields from the fast pyrolysis by preventing these metals catalyzing fragmentation pyranose rings cellulose and hemicellulose. However, because also catalyzes lignin depolymerization, its passivation can be accompanied undesirable char agglomeration. Pretreatment with ferrous sulfate both passivates substitutes ions as depolymerization catalysts. This pretreatment has been particularly successful for high ash like corn stover, but limited value low wood. study explores reasons this discrepancy offers a combined acetate to overcome agglomeration new increased 4.4 wt% 15.5 5.4 19.0 hardwood softwood biomasses, respectively. produces an iron-rich biochar that oxidation under oxygen-rich conditions autothermal pyrolysis, which is preferentially consumed provide enthalpy preserving bio-oil more desirable energy product. Instead producing carbon monoxide, dominates untreated biomass, iron dioxide, per mole oxygen consumed. In fact, demand support red oak southern yellow pine was reduced 15% presence biochar.