Catalytic fast co-pyrolysis of biomass and fusel alcohol to enhance aromatic hydrocarbon production over ZSM-5 catalyst in a fluidized bed reactor

In order to enhance aromatic hydrocarbon production, catalytic fast co-pyrolysis (co-CFP) of corn stover and fusel alcohol is conducted with ZSM-5 catalyst in a fluidized bed reactor. Effects of co-CFP temperature, catalyst loading and mass ratio of fusel alcohol to biomass on aromatic hydrocarbon yields are investigated and the experimental results show that bio-derived aromatic hydrocarbons can be formed through Diels-Alder cycloaddition and catalyst-induced hydrocarbon pool. It is found that co-CFP temperature of 550 °C results in the maximum aromatic hydrocarbon yield and the carbon and hydrogen yields of individual and total aromatic hydrocarbons increase dramatically with an elevated catalyst loading amount. Additionally, an apparent synergy between biomass and fusel alcohol is observed during co-CFP. With the consideration of aromatic hydrocarbon yields in bio-oil, the mass ratio of fusel alcohol to biomass of 1:1 in the blends is the best option. Moreover, isotopic labeling technique is utilized to unearth the origin of carbon and hydrogen in aromatic hydrocarbons, and the results demonstrate that carbon and hydrogen atoms from both feedstocks can coexist in the individual aromatic hydrocarbon and make up the targeted products during co-CFP of the blends.