Determination of the Pyrolytic Characteristics of Various Biomass Pellets
Sustainability (Switzerland), vol.17, no.20, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 17 Issue: 20
- Publication Date: 2025
- Doi Number: 10.3390/su17209003
- Journal Name: Sustainability (Switzerland)
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Aerospace Database, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, CAB Abstracts, Communication Abstracts, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, Geobase, INSPEC, Metadex, Veterinary Science Database, Directory of Open Access Journals, Civil Engineering Abstracts
- Keywords: biochar, condensable gases, pelletizing, thermochemical conversion, torrefaction
- Akdeniz University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Biomass pellets are widely used for combustion but can also serve as sustainable feedstocks for pyrolysis. This study examined wood (WP), palm-pruning (PP), reed (RD), and daphne (DP) pellets. We present a compact framework linking composition (proximate/ultimate and lignocellulosic fractions) with TG/DTG, FTIR, TGA-derived indices (CPI, Ddev, Rw), Tpmax and Rav to predict product selectivity and temperature ranges. TG/DTG showed the following sequence: hemicellulose (≈200–315 °C) first, cellulose (≈315–400 °C) with a sharp maximum, and lignin ≈200–600 °C. Low-ash WP and DP had sharper, higher peaks, favoring concentrated devolatilization and condensables. Mineral-rich PP and RD began earlier and showed depressed peaks from AAEM catalysis, shifting toward gases and ash-richer chars. Composition shaped these patterns: higher cellulose increased Rav and CPI; links to Tpmax were moderated by ash. Lignin strengthened a high-T shoulder, while hemicellulose promoted early deacetylation (RD’s 1730 cm−1 acetyl C=O) and release of CO2 and acids. Correlations (|r| ≥ 0.70) supported these links: VM with total (m∞) and second stage mass loss; cellulose with Rav and CPI (Tpmax moderated by ash); lignin and O/C with Tf and last stage mass loss; ash negatively with Ti, Tpmax, and m∞. The obtained results guide the sustainable valorization of biomass pellets by selecting temperatures for liquids, H2/CO-rich gases or low-ash aromatic chars.