Microwave-assisted catalytic pyrolysis of corn cobs with Fe-modified Choerospondias axillaris seed-based biochar catalyst for phenol-rich bio-oil

In order to develop a more economical and easy-to-recover catalyst, this study prepared Fe-modified biochar catalyst by microwave pyrolysis carbonization and impregnation, and applied it to microwave catalysis pyrolysis of corn cobs to prepare phenol-rich bio-oil. The results showed that H3PO4 can greatly increase the specific surface area of the biochar catalyst. The Fe-modified biochar catalyst promoted the conversion of aldehydes and ketones in corn cobs bio-oil, thereby greatly increasing the content of phenolic compounds. Among them, Fe0.4@biochar had the best selectivity to phenol, approximately 16.45 area%. Fe0.2@biochar had the best selectivity to furfural, which was 10.68 area%. After repeated use for 5 times, the catalytic effect was still selective to phenolic compounds.

Automated summary

This study prepared an Fe-modified biochar catalyst for microwave catalysis pyrolysis of corn cobs, which promoted the production of phenolic compounds and showed good catalytic stability.