Catalytic pyrolysis of Miscanthus × giganteus over activated alumina

The catalytic effects of activated alumina (Al2O3) on the pyrolysis of Miscanthus × giganteus, a new energy crop, were investigated. Catalytic pyrolysis experiments carried out under static and nitrogen atmospheres were performed in a fixed-bed reactor. The final pyrolysis temperature was kept constant at 550 °C in all of the experiments. The effect of catalyst loading (by weight of feedstock as 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%), heating rate (10 °C and 50 °C min-1), nitrogen flow rate (50, 100, 150 and 200 cm3 min−1) on the pyrolysis conversion and product yields were investigated. The results were compared with those obtained in non-catalytic pyrolysis. Activated alumina catalyst has a strong influence on the Miscanthus × giganteus pyrolysis product and conversion yield. Furthermore, the catalytic bio-oils obtained from catalytic pyrolysis under static and nitrogen atmospheres were examined using elemental analysis, column chromatography, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy methods.