Optimization and characterization of bio-oil produced by microwave assisted pyrolysis of oil palm shell waste biomass with microwave absorber

Bioresour Technol. 2015 Aug:190:442-50. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2015.02.055. Epub 2015 Mar 3.

Abstract

In this study, solid oil palm shell (OPS) waste biomass was subjected to microwave pyrolysis conditions with uniformly distributed coconut activated carbon (CAC) microwave absorber. The effects of CAC loading (wt%), microwave power (W) and N2 flow rate (LPM) were investigated on heating profile, bio-oil yield and its composition. Response surface methodology based on central composite design was used to study the significance of process parameters on bio-oil yield. The coefficient of determination (R(2)) for the bio-oil yield is 0.89017 indicating 89.017% of data variability is accounted to the model. The largest effect on bio-oil yield is from linear and quadratic terms of N2 flow rate. The phenol content in bio-oil is 32.24-58.09% GC-MS area. The bio-oil also contain 1,1-dimethyl hydrazine of 10.54-21.20% GC-MS area. The presence of phenol and 1,1-dimethyl hydrazine implies that the microwave pyrolysis of OPS with carbon absorber has the potential to produce valuable fuel products.

Keywords: Bio-oil; Coconut activated carbon; Microwave assisted pyrolysis; Oil palm shell; Optimization and characterization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Absorption, Radiation
  • Agriculture / methods
  • Arecaceae / chemistry*
  • Arecaceae / radiation effects
  • Biodegradation, Environmental
  • Biofuels / analysis
  • Biofuels / radiation effects*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Heating / methods*
  • Industrial Waste / prevention & control
  • Microwaves*
  • Models, Chemical
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry*
  • Plant Extracts / radiation effects
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Refuse Disposal / methods*

Substances

  • Biofuels
  • Industrial Waste
  • Plant Extracts