Asian Research Thesis Index

Abstract

New methods for the liquefaction of Biomass were investigated and explored. These methods are based on the heat produced by microwave metal interaction. It utilizes microwave energy for the decomposition of biomass. The metal acts as antenna as well as heat generating medium. In this work three metals were used as the antenna. These are iron, copper and aluminium. The effect of the shape of antenna on the yield and efficiency of the process were investigated. Biomass was pyrolysed in all these antennas containing reactors in the microwave oven. These reactions were carried out both in the presence and absence of catalyst. Three types of catalysts i.e. Cement, kaolin and clinkered were used. These catalysts were intended to increase the yield and facilitate the pyrolysis process. The use of these catalysts also reduces consumption of energy. Each of the catalyst was used in different metal antenna in separate experiments. The amount of each of catalyst was optimized in the range of 1:1-1:10 ratio for obtaining maximum yield and conversion. The results for the process were found according to the predictions. In each case biomass was converted into aqueous and oily liquids, gases and char like residue by the microwave metal interaction pyrolysis. The volatile products were collected in cold traps while the amount of gases was determined by difference. The oily product of the pyrolysis was analysed using GC/MS and some chemical tests. It was observed that the nature of active species of the pyrolysis determines the nature of products and these itself depends upon the microwave flux and heat generated in addition to the activity of catalyst as well as catalytic activity of the metals.

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