Influence of temperature on organic structure of biomass pyrolysis products

Biomass pyrolysis experiments were performed in a tubular reactor at different temperatures, the effects of which on organic structure of semi-char and tar had been investigated. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis was conducted by a Nicolet 6700 FTIR spectrometer. The tar components at different temperatures were analyzed by GC/MS. It was observed that pyrolysis of biomass mainly occurs in the temperature range of 300–600 °C. A high temperature favored the production of gases. The yield of semi-char and the contained organic functional groups(CO, CC, C–H, C–O and OH) decreases significantly with the increasing final temperature. The tar yield passes through a maximum at about 500 °C. The organic functional groups in tar were stable but the transmittance of these groups decreased with the increasing final temperature.

► A thorough analysis of biomass pyrolysis with overall data is given dynamically. ► The effect of temperature on organic structure of semi-char and tar is studied. ► The functional groups in semi-char decrease greatly with increasing temperature. ► The organic functional groups in tar are relatively stable as temperatures rise.