Bamboo pyrolysis using TG–FTIR and a lab-scale reactor: Analysis of pyrolysis behavior, product properties, and carbon and energy yields

• Typical compounds are identified by their characteristic absorbance in 3D FTIR.
• The absorbance changes of volatiles during pyrolysis agree with the DTG curve.
• Biochar yield decreases while gas yield increases with increased temperature.
• Biochar is the primary product as it has 41% or higher carbon and energy yields.
• Bio-oil and gas have 50–60% of carbon and energy yields when temperature is >400 °C.

Slow pyrolysis of moso bamboo was performed using thermogravimetry–Fourier transform infrared analysis (TG–FTIR) and a laboratory-scale pyrolysis reactor. The effects of temperature on slow pyrolysis behavior, product properties, and carbon and energy yields at pyrolysis temperatures of 300–700 °C were discussed. Typical compounds such as CO2, H2O, CH4, and CO were identified by their characteristic absorbance. The changes in the absorbance of volatiles during pyrolysis agreed with the weight loss in the derivative thermogravimetric curve. With increased temperature, biochar yield decreased while non-condensable gas yield increased. The bio-oil achieved the highest yield of 36.57% at 500 °C. Biochar was considered the primary product of pyrolysis because it had 41% or higher carbon and energy yields. Bio-oil and non-condensable gas contained 50–60% of carbon and energy content when the pyrolysis temperature was >400 °C. Therefore, these three types of products as valuable resources should be developed together for utilization.