Catalytic fast pyrolysis of durian rind using silica-alumina catalyst: Effects of pyrolysis parameters

Silica-alumina catalyst was prepared and used in the catalytic fast pyrolysis of durian rind in a drop-type two stage reactor. The effects of catalytic temperature (400 degrees C-600 degrees C) and catalyst-to-durian rind ratio (1:30-3:30) were evaluated. Bio-oil yield was increased with increased catalytic temperature due to considerable dehydration process, but it was reduced with high catalyst loading due to the overcracking of organics into light gases. Silica-alumina catalyst possessed good selectivity and the products changed according to the temperature. The major components in bio-oil were hydrocarbons, furan derivatives, and aromatic compounds at 400 degrees C, 500 degrees C, and 600 degrees C, respectively. The hydrogen and carbon contents of bio-oil were reduced with high catalyst loading due to the overcracking of organics, and the deoxygenation process became unfavorable. The silica-alumina catalyst worked well in catalytic fast pyrolysis of durian rind, and the condition may be adjusted based on the desired products.