Catalytic Pyrolysis of Biomass Over Fe-Modified Hierarchical ZSM-5: Insights into Mono-Aromatics Selectivity and Pyrolysis Behavior Using PY-GC/MS and TG-FTIR

Abstract Catalytic pyrolysis has recently aroused great interest for the high potential in upgrading bio-oils as renewable energy. However, conventional catalysts often exert diffusion resistance to large intermediate oxygenates. In this study, Fe-modified hierarchical ZSM-5 prepared by alkali and Fe loading of 2, 4, 6, 8 wt% were characterized by the analysis of XRD, BET, TEM, and NH3-TPD. Catalytic pyrolysis of poplar sawdust via Fe-modified hierarchical ZSM-5 was conducted using Py-GC/MS and TG-FTIR. The results indicated that alkali treatment and Fe loading of the catalyst introduced a hierarchical and porous structure and improved its acidity, leading to high mono-aromatics and olefins selectivity. The hierarchical ZSM-5 with 4 wt% Fe loading exhibited superior performance with high selectivity towards mono-aromatics of 15.30%. TG-FTIR analysis shows the volatiles release characteristics and FTIR spectra were consistent with pyrolysis behavior. Kinetic analysis reveals Fe-modified hierarchical ZSM-5 lowers the apparent activation energy in catalytic pyrolysis of poplar sawdust.