Catalytic pyrolysis of peanut shells to obtain value added products.

Abstract

Catalytic pyrolysis of peanut shells (Arachis hipogaea) were studied in a fixed-bed reactor, which integrates both processes, pyrolysis and catalytic cracking. The effect of the catalytic material over bio-oil composition was studied, introducing Nickel by wet impregnation method in ZSM-11 zeolites. The experiments were done with different loading of metal, ranging from 1 to 10 wt%. These catalysts were thoroughly characterized by X-Ray Diffraction, Temperature Programmed Reduction and Thermogravimetric Analysis. Evaluating bio-oil composition, it was found that some desired aromatic hydrocarbons and aldehydes selectivities were improved. Best results were obtained when 3 wt% of the metal was loaded, reducing for lower and higher contents.