Characterization of Bio-oil produced by green synthesized Zeolite- Y catalyzed pyrolysis of Milicia excelsa
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Abstract
Pyrolysis-based bio-refinery technology have a huge potential to convert biomass residues into useful biofuels and chemical products. Liquid biofuels produced from biomass are becoming more popular due to the adverse environmental impacts of over-dependence on fossil fuels and its depletion. In this study, bio-oil was produced by green-synthesized zeolite –Y (GZY) catalyzed pyrolysis of Milicia excelsa (Me) residues at various temperatures (400, 550 and 700 °C) and biomass/catalyst (b/c) ratios (100/0, 80/20 and 60/40). Me residue was characterized by ultimate analysis while catalyst and bio-oil compositions were examined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF). Results of characterized bio-oil revealed that phenols, catechols and ketones were the significant compounds present. The highest percentage of phenols 59.59% was obtained at 550°C and b/c ratio of 60/40 with light aromatic compounds. The bio-oil’s higher heating value is between 25.78 to 33.04 MJ/kg. These values are comparable with those of fossil diesel. Hence, this shows that Me fuel wood can be used substitute fuel for internal combustion engines in transportation.
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