TGA-FTIR Analysis of Biomass Samples Based on the Thermal Decomposition Behavior of Hemicellulose, Cellulose, and Lignin

Abstract

The slow pyrolysis characteristics of lignocellulosic biomass and its three major components via a Thermogravimetric Analyzer coupled with a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (TGA-FTIR) was studied. Different compositions and ratios of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, olive pomace, sunflower waste, and pinecone were selected. The main decomposition temperature ranges of xylose (hemicellulose) and lignin showed a broad range between 173–690 and 170–835 °C, respectively, whereas that of cellulose was detected to be 291–395 °C. All biomass samples presented a three-stage pyrolysis model that is explained by the superposition of the weight losses of major components. Simultaneous FTIR analysis of the evolved gases demonstrated that the greater the cellulose and hemicellulose contents, the higher the CO and CO2 concentrations. Chemical kinetics were computed with the Coats–Redfern model. The activation energy required for the initiation of the thermal decomposition of biomass samples is in the range of 53–94 kJ/mol. Moreover, the product yields of all samples were determined via laboratory-scale pyrolysis. Pyrolytic oil and char yields were determined to be between 18.9–32.4 wt.% and 26.6–31.2 wt.%, respectively, at 550 °C final temperature for the biomass samples. It is concluded that the bio-oil yield was not only controlled by the cellulose content but also affected by the presence of n-hexane soluble (oil) fraction as well as inorganics.

Evaluation of pyrolysis characteristics and kinetic parameters from several prospected biomass residues by thermogravimetric analysis

“…Notably, this phenomenon is absent in the other three biomass types. This observation aligns with prior findings by Varol and Mutlu [17], elucidating that lignin decomposition of one type of biomass occurs at higher temperatures compared to cellulose and hemicellulose, falling within the temperature range of 170 -835 °C. Furthermore, the conversion at the end of the active pyrolysis stage (Figure 2) of Yang Na wood, palmyra palm shell, cotton stalk, and SCG is 0.67, 0.62, 0.65, and 0.74, respectively.…”

Sustainable Solid Biofuel Production: Transforming Sewage Sludge and Pinus sp. Sawdust into Resources for the Circular Economy

“…Subsequently, there is a pronounced thermal event with a mass loss of about 71.1% and Tonset (onset temperature extrapolated) and Tendset (end temperature extrapolated) equal to 275.9 and 367.9 • C, respectively. This is related to the thermal decomposition of the organic matter that the sawdust is composed of (decomposition of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignins) [36]. This range corresponds to the decomposition of hemicellulose and cellulose, which are major components of wood.…”

Synergistic Interaction during Copyrolysis of Soybean Straw and Tire Waste: Improving Emissions and Product Quality

“…Both of these techniques have found application in numerous prior studies, spanning diverse biomass varieties, to scrutinize the ramifications of biomass pyrolysis. This scrutiny encompasses the tracking of chemical structures through the evolution of functional groups, as well as the quantification and assessment of the quality of pyrolysis products throughout the pyrolysis process …”

“…This scrutiny encompasses the tracking of chemical structures through the evolution of functional groups, as well as the quantification and assessment of the quality of pyrolysis products throughout the pyrolysis process. 18 …”