(2024) Energy Conversion and Management_Enhancement of syngas through integrating carbon dioxide in the catalytic pyrolysis of plantation waste

Lee S.; Lee T.; Cha H.; Jung S.; Tsang Y.F.; Lee J.; Kwon E.E.

(Elsevier Ltd) Energy Conversion and Management ISSN: 1968904 Vol.311 Issue. Article No.118554 DOI: 10.1016/j.enconman.2024.118554

This study introduces the sustainable recovery of energy from plantation waste by converting rubber tree residue (RTR) into syngas through carbon dioxide (CO₂)-assisted pyrolysis. The investigation centers on elucidating the specific impact of CO₂ on the pyrolysis of rubber tree residue, emphasizing its significant influence on enhancing syngas production. At temperatures ≥ 500 °C, CO₂ engages with volatile matters (VMs) released during the thermolysis of rubber tree residue, increasing carbon monoxide (CO) yields. To further optimize the process, catalytic pyrolysis setups incorporating additional heat (600 °C) and a nickel-based catalyst (Ni/Al₂O₃) were implemented. These experimental configurations substantially increased syngas production from 19.51 to 24.24 mmol g⁻¹, particularly amplifying CO yields under CO₂ conditions 2.58-fold compared to nitrogen (N₂) conditions. This enhancement is attributed to the partial oxidation of volatile matters facilitated by CO₂. Additionally, the Ni/Al₂O₃ catalyst played a pivotal role in expediting the gas-phase homogeneous reaction of CO₂ with volatile matters, leading to further improved syngas production. Indeed, the syngas yield in the catalytic pyrolysis in the presence of CO₂ was 24.24 mmol g⁻¹, which increased by 1.24 times in reference to the result under the N₂ environment. The identified functional role of CO₂ presents an opportunity to enhance the sustainability of waste management by optimizing carbon utilization and generating value-added products. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd

This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korean Government (MSIT) (Grant No. NRF-2023R1A2C3003011). This work was also suported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education (Grant No. RS-2023-00274658).