Iranian Journal of Wood and Paper Industries

Iranian Journal of Wood and Paper Industries

Optimization of Biofuel Derived from Fast Pyrolysis of Kraft Lignin Using Heterogeneous Catalysts

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Atefe Rahimi 1
Ali Abdolkhani 2
maryam allahdady 3
Yahya Hamzeh 2
1 Ph.D. Student, Department of Wood and Paper Science and Technology, Faculty of Natural Resources, University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran
2 Professor, Department of Wood and Paper Science and Technology, Faculty of Natural Resources, University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
3 Department of Wood and Paper Science and Technology, Faculty of Natural Resources, University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
10.22034/ijwp.2025.2058619.1704
Abstract
Problem definition and objectives: The global energy crisis, instability of fossil fuel markets, and increasing environmental concerns, such as global warming and greenhouse gas emissions, have shifted global focus toward renewable and clean energy sources. Due to their renewability, availability, and potential for reducing pollutants, biofuels have emerged as a key alternative in the transition to sustainable energy systems. Lignin, one of the most abundant biopolymers and a major byproduct of the pulp and paper industry, offers significant potential for liquid biofuel production due to its high carbon content and low cost. However, non-catalytic pyrolysis of lignin generally results in bio-oil with high oxygen content, high acidity, low stability, and limited energy density, making it unsuitable for direct use. A promising strategy to overcome these limitations is the application of heterogeneous catalysts in the pyrolysis process to guide reaction pathways toward higher-value, more stable products. This study aims to evaluate the impact of various heterogeneous catalysts on the fast pyrolysis process of Kraft lignin and to enhance the quality of the resulting biofuel.
Methodology: Kraft lignin was extracted from black liquor produced in pulp and paper mills and spray-dried into uniform powder. Fast pyrolysis was performed in a stainless-steel fluidized bed reactor at 600°C under a nitrogen atmosphere (flow rate: 660 L/h). The bio-oil was then subjected to catalytic upgrading in a separate batch reactor at 300°C for 30 minutes using four heterogeneous catalysts: Sepiolite, Montmorillonite, Basolite 1200, and Carbon-Palladium. The quality and characteristics of the upgraded biofuels were analyzed using elemental analysis (CHNO), higher heating value (HHV) determination, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).
Results: Elemental analysis revealed that catalytic treatment significantly increased carbon content and reduced oxygen content compared to the control sample. The sample treated with Basolite 1200 exhibited the highest HHV (31.02 MJ/kg), with carbon content reaching 72.13% and oxygen content reduced to 19.56%. GC-MS analysis showed that Sepiolite produced the highest phenolic yield (58.99%), generating various phenols, cresols, and alkylated derivatives, reducing acidity and improving combustion properties. Carbon-Palladium facilitated the production of light aromatic compounds such as styrene, naphthalene, and indene, making it suitable for fast-combustion applications. Montmorillonite also enhanced phenol production, but to a lesser extent. TGA analysis confirmed that catalytically upgraded samples exhibited more stable thermal behavior, uniform weight loss, and reduced char residue (10–15%) compared to untreated lignin (20%).
Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrate that heterogeneous catalysts can significantly improve the chemical structure, energy value, thermal stability, and overall quality of biofuels derived from lignin. Sepiolite was identified as the most effective catalyst due to its high phenolic yield and ability to suppress undesirable compounds. Basolite 1200, on the other hand, achieved the highest energy performance through efficient deoxygenation. The results highlight the critical role of catalyst selection and structure design in optimizing the pyrolysis process and enabling the production of advanced biofuels. This approach can promote the sustainable utilization of lignocellulosic residues, support the development of green energy technologies, and contribute to the circular economy and energy security.
Keywords
Fast Pyrolysis
Kraft Lignin
Heterogeneous Catalysts
Basolite 1200
Sepiolite
Biofuel

Subjects

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Iranian Journal of Wood and Paper Industries
Volume 16, Issue 3
Autumn 2025
Pages 333-349