Effect of Metal-modified Carbon Catalysts on Fast Pyrolysis of Jatropha Waste

Screening, synthesis, and testing of metal-modified carbon catalysts for fast pyrolysis of Jatropha waste were carried out using Pyro-GCMS (Py-GC/MS) and a quartz reactor. Our results suggest that activated carbon-based catalysts, especially those impregnated with Ni, are effective catalysts. The selectivity for aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons was 79.4 %, with relatively low amounts of oxygenated compounds or other unfavorable components. Using Ni/C catalyst in a quartz reactor, the selectivity for aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons was 64.1 %. Successive reaction through hydrogen migration over the metal-modified activated carbon catalyst surface could occur at 600 degrees C. Further improvements of catalyst activity and the reactor configuration may be required to produce liquid fuel commercially.