Thermal behaviors and kinetics for cellulose pyrolysis using CexZr1−x-T catalysts

In the present study, a series of Ce-Zr binary metal oxides (Ce x Zr 1−x -T, x  = 0.2, 0.5, 0.8) with variable physicochemical characteristics were developed for fast pyrolysis of cellulose, wherein thermal decomposition behaviors and kinetics were investigated using TG-MS and Py-GC/MS methods. Comprehensive characterizations including XRD, NH 3 -TPD, CO 2 -TPD, and SEM were conducted to unveil the essential structural properties of as-prepared Ce x Zr 1−x -T materials. Ce x Zr 1−x -T calcined at 450 °C and 550 °C could supply suitable medium to strong acid–base sites and good porosity for the pyrolysis of cellulose into ketones, aldehydes, and hydrocarbons, especially for Ce 0.8 Zr 0.2 –550. Elevation of heating rate and catalyst usage significantly promoted the yielding of ketones, aliphatic hydrocarbons, and aromatic hydrocarbons. Moreover, the activation energy for cellulose pyrolysis was lowered to 96.9 kJ/mol in the presence of Ce 0.8 Zr 0.2 –550, due to the promotional role of existing acid–base sites.