Characteristics and mechanism study of analytical fast pyrolysis of poplar wood

Analytical pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py–GC/MS) was applied to achieve fast pyrolysis of poplar wood and on-line analysis of the pyrolysis vapors. Experiments were conducted to reveal the distribution of pyrolytic products under different pyrolysis temperatures (300–1000 °C) and times (5–30 s). During the fast pyrolysis process, the poplar wood started decomposition to form organic volatile products at the set temperature of 300 °C, and reached the maximum volatile product yield at around 550 °C. The products included various anhydrosugars, furans, phenolic compounds, linear carbonyls, linear acids, hydrocarbons, and so on. They exhibited different formation characteristics. Based on the experimental results, we discussed the possible pyrolytic pathways for the generation of the major products.

► Analytical Py–GC/MS technique is employed for fast pyrolysis of poplar wood.
► The products include anhydrosugars, furans, phenols, linear carbonyls, etc.
► The formation characteristics of the individual pyrolytic products are revealed.
► We propose and discuss the possible pathways for the formation of major products.