A study on the effects of catalysts on pyrolysis and combustion characteristics of Turkish lignite in oxy-fuel conditions

► Low calorific value Turkish lignite were studied using TGA-FTIR system. ► Potassium, calcium and iron based catalysts were employed and compared with raw form. ► K2CO3 was the most effective catalyst in char gasification during pyrolysis tests in 100% CO2. ► CO2 pyrolysis has significantly higher CO and SOx emissions compared to the N2 pyrolysis.