Catalytic upgrading of pyrolysis vapors from Jatropha wastes using alumina, zirconia and titania based catalysts

摘要

The objective of this study was to catalytically upgrade bio-oil from organic vapors of Jatropha wastes using Py-GC/MS. Catalytic testing included Al_2O_3, ZrO_2, TiO_2 (rutile, T_1) and TiO_2 (anatase, T_2) supporter catalysts modified with transition metals (Pd, Ru or Ni) by impregnation method. In non-catalytic runs, the main vapor products were fatty acids (60.74%). With the presence of Al_2O_3 based catalysts, carboxylic acids were obviously reduced to 0.76-19.61% while hydrocarbons were the main products (42.00- 64.06%). Comparing among four supporters, total hydrocarbon yields increased with presence of all catalysts. Higher yields were obtained by T_2 > Al_2O_3 > CA > NiCA > RuCA catalysts. Al_2O_3 and T_2 supports were the most effective for increased hydrocarbons while decreased oxygenated compounds (15%) which is one of the primary aims of this study. The result indicating that high surface area resulted in better catalytic activity but also adversely promoted N-compounds. Therefore these catalysts can be applied to improve properties of pyrolytic products.