Shah 2021
Shah 2021
A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T
Keywords: In the present work the products and characteristics of bio-yields obtained from pyrolysis of different types of
Biomass walnut shells (WS) by using a fixed bed pyrolyzer. The different walnut shells considered are paper (PSW), thin
Pyrolysis products (TSW), medium (MSW) and hard (HSW) shelled walnut. The biomass samples were pyrolyzed at various tem
Bioproducts
peratures, particle sizes, heating and sweep gas flow rates. The results revealed that the maximum bio-oil 44.7,
Fixed bed reactor
Bio-oil
biochar 37.6 and gas 40.4 wt% yields have been obtained for HSW, MSW and HSW at a pyrolysis temperature of
550, 375 and 750 ◦ C respectively at heating rate 0.33 K/sec, particle size 0.5–1.5 mm with swept gas flow rate
1.6 × 10− 6 m3/s. The higher heating value (HHV) of bio-oil obtained from different walnut shells are ranged
from 26 to 27.3 MJ/kg. Comprehensive physiochemical characteristics such as density, viscosity, flash point,
pour point and water content of bio-oils have been obtained. Chemical composition analysis of bio-oils revealed
that the pyrolytic bio-oil composition is predominated by oxygenated compounds such as carbonyl, methoxy,
phenols and carboxyl groups determined by GC-MS, FTIR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR. The pyrolysis gas mainly
contained CH4 CO, H2, CO2, and light hydrocarbons. Based on these results and structural analysis of the bio-oil,
it can be concluded that the bio-oil obtained from WS may be used as a feedstock for furnaces, as a fuel, as a
lubricant after modifications and value-added products via pyrolysis.
* Corresponding author.
E-mail address: shahmudasir22@[Link] (M.A. Shah).
[Link]
Received 5 January 2021; Received in revised form 17 April 2021; Accepted 20 April 2021
Available online 1 May 2021
2213-3437/© 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
M.A. Shah et al. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering 9 (2021) 105564
bio-oil fuel produce is less smoky, a clean burning fuel with high calo further use. The four types of walnut shells which were used in the study
rific value and are more reactive as compared to the respective biomass as: paper (PSW), thin (TSW), medium (MSW), and hard (HSW) shelled
residue fuels [8,14–19]. walnut.
The yield of bio-oils through pyrolysis technology of various biomass
residues have been thoroughly investigated by various researchers in the 2.2. Pyrolysis Experiments
past, such as are wheat straw, Corn cob, deodar, Corn stalk, rice husk
and rice straw and peanut shell [9–12] etc. The results of these in Pyrolysis of walnut shells (PSW, TSW MSW, and HSW) residues was
vestigations revealed the feasibility of pyrolysis technology for the carried out by using a fixed bed pyrolyzer (reactor) in an inert atmo
bio-oil fuel production from biomass residues for different applications, sphere of nitrogen. The reactor was made up of stainless steel (SS316)
such as in boilers, diesel engines and gas turbines [8,13]. A pathway to material having 1200 mm length and 122 mm internal diameter. The
liquid fuel can be selected depending on the pyrolysis gas composition design temperature and pressure of the reactor were 950 ◦ C and
and economics of the available catalysts [20]. 1.2 × 106 N/m2, respectively. It was surrounded by electric furnace with
Walnut shells are one of the important biomass residues which are P&ID controller. Ni-Cr thermocouple was used to sense the temperature
mostly wasted without proper utilization. The shells are obtained from inside the reactor. A batch of 0.3 Kg of the individual feedstock was
the dry fruit, walnut which comprises 60% kernel (the oily material) and charged to the reactor for pyrolysis. The temperature was increased from
40% shell the hard covering [21]. In India during the year 2013–2014 ambient to 375, 450, 550, 650 and 750 ◦ C for particle sizes of 0.5–1.5,
the total production of walnut was 38,000 MT [21], which resulted into 1.5–2.5 and 2.5–3.0 mm, respectively, at a heating rate of 0.17, 0.33 and
the walnut shell production of ≈15,200 MT. The average heating value 0.83 K/sec. Nitrogen at a flow rate of 0.8 × 10− 6, 1.6 × 10− 6 and
of walnut shells is 20.18 MJ/kg [22]. However, the walnut shells almost 2.5 × 10− 6 m3/s was supplied to keep the environment inert and
remain as a waste or sold at throw away price by the walnut processing oxygen-free, and also to carry along the condensable vapors which were
industries. It is marginally used as a fuel in rural areas for heating passed through condensers I and II to collect oil and water scrubbing
purposes. With the help of the conversion technologies, such as gasifi tank to collect gas, as shown in Fig. 2. The reaction was performed for
cation, combustion, liquefaction and pyrolysis, energy can be extracted 2100 s, or till no further release of gas was observed. There after the bio-
from walnut shell residues and can further be upgraded for production of oil and biogas samples were stored in airtight bottles and gas kits,
various types of chemical feedstock, solid, liquid and gaseous fuels. respectively, for further investigation. Condensed pyrolysis vapors were
In the present work, the pyrolysis of the different walnut shell resi collected as liquid fuel (bio-oil) is dark brown and viscous, thick portion
dues (paper, thin, medium and hard shelled walnut) has been carried seem at the bottom and light portion at the top. Two phases were
out. The heating values, density, flash and pour point, water content and separated (aqueous phase and organic phase) using a centrifuge, which
viscosity of the bio-oils produced from different walnut shells at 550 ◦ C was operated at 4000 rpm for 2100 s. After centrifugation, the two
were analyzed and compared with the respective biomass residues. The phases, the upper aqueous phase (less viscous) and lower organic phase
effects of temperatures, size of the residual particle, swept gas flow rates (more viscous) were separated. Physico-chemical characteristics of bio-
and heating rates on bio-oil, bio-char and gases yields were also deter oils obtained at 550 ◦ C with particle size of 1.5 – 2.5 mm and heating
mined. The bio-oils were characterized using Gas chromatography–mass rate 0.33 K/s were characterized and analyzed.
spectrometry (GC-MS), 1H and 1 3C NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance)
and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The composition 2.3. Physicochemical characteristics of bio-oils
of the gaseous mixture obtained during pyrolysis was also determined
using Gas chromatography (GC). Density of bio-oils was measured using a specific gravity bottle at
18 ◦ C, ASTM D4052 [23] method. The viscosity of bio-oil was deter
2. Experimental mined by Rheometer (MCR 100) at 40 ◦ C using ASTM D445 method
[24]. Water Content was obtained by Karl-Fisher titration method. Flash
2.1. Materials and methods points of bio-oils were performed according to Pensky− Martens closed
cup tester method. The bio-oil is heated at a constant rate with stirring
The walnut shells were obtained from the local walnut industry, continuously at regular intervals of time. The pour point of bio-oil was
Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India and were dried for three days at investigated using ASTM D 93 [25]; during this method preheated
average temperature of 25 ◦ C under 47% humidity to remove the excess bio-oil sample was cooled at specific rate and checked at intervals of 3 ◦ C
moisture before storage. The dried walnut shells were crushed with high for flow analysis. The minimum temperature, at which bio-oil mobility
speed ball mill and sieved by standard screens in order to get particle was noticed, was reported as the pour point. For heating value mea
sizes of 0.5–1.5, 1.5–2.5 and 2.5–3.0 mm as shown in Fig. 1. Fine surement 0.001 Kg of bio-oil sample was implanted in the calorimeter
powdered feedstock was packed in air tight containers and stored for (CC01/M3; Toshniwal, India) and ignited in the presence of oxygen
Fig. 1. Four types of walnut shell powder are paper (a) (PSW) (b) thin (TSW) (c) medium (MSW) and (d) hard (HSW) shelled walnut.
2
M.A. Shah et al. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering 9 (2021) 105564
using ASTM procedure D2015-85 [26]. with single taper and quartz wool was used. The temperature of transfer
The bio-oil showed maximum yields at 550 ◦ C and the characteristics line was controlled at 280 ◦ C. All bio-oil samples were investigated in
of bio-oil like water content, flash point, pour point, viscosity, density splitless mode at an injection temperature of 250 ◦ C. In the present
and high heating values revealed on the basis of standard test methods in study, 5 × 10− 9 m3 micro-syringes were used for injection volume of
the same temperature. 1 × 10− 9 m3. The temperature of electron ionization was set at 230 ◦ C at
70 eV and the quadruple was 150 ◦ C. Mass spectral database was used to
2.4. Chemical composition analysis of bio-oils identify the organic compounds in a selected ion monitoring (SIM) and
full scan mode. The assessment of organic compounds in the bio-oil
2.4.1. FTIR analysis samples and extracts were calculated from the GC peak areas of the
Functional group analysis of organic and aqueous bio-liquid phases unsaturated and precise signals (including derivatives) of signal to noise
obtained during pyrolysis was carried out using Fourier Transform (S/N) ratio of at least 6:1.
Infrared Spectroscopy (Nicolet 8700-Thermo Fisher Scientific FTIR
spectrometer, USA) with the sample diluted in 1% potassium bromide 2.4.4. Gas chromatography analysis
(KBr). Thin uniform layers of both organic and aqueous oils were placed The analysis of gaseous products was carried out using a Varian CP-
on a sample cell. The FTIR spectrum in the range of 500–4000 cm− 1 was 3800 gas chromatograph, (Australia) equipped with two thermal con
measured with a resolution of 4 cm− 1 and an accumulation of 64 scans. ductivity detectors (TCD) and one flame ionization detector (FID).
Argon was used as a carrier gas with a flow rate of 5 × 10− 7 m3/s. TCD
2.4.2. 1H and 13C NMR analyses was used to analyze hydrogen and nitrogen gases; whereas FID for the
Integrated intensities of different protons and carbon types in the analysis of hydrocarbons.
bio-oil related with an average molecule can be found 1H and 13C NMR
spectra. The one dimensional (1D) 1H and 13C NMR spectra of organic 3. Results and discussion
bio-oils were recorded on a NMR spectrometer (Bruker, Avance III NMR
500 MHz, AV 500, Germany) equipped with BBO, TXI, solid state and 3.1. Effect of pyrolysis temperature
cryoplatform probe resonating at the frequency of 500 and 125 MHz, for
1
H and 13C, respectively. 0.001 Kg of sample was prepared and dissolved The results were varied for various walnut shell sizes. The bio-oil
in 600 µl of D2O (concentration 26.95 mM). Before recording the data, yields increased from 26.8% to 43.0% for PSW, 25.4–40% for TSW,
baseline and phase were corrected in the given spectra and separated 24.6–37% for MSW and 28.8–44.7% for HSW. The maximum of HSW
into various regions, which correspond to different types of carbons and (44.7%) and minimum MSW (37%) of bio-oil yields were obtained at
protons according to their position in the molecule. Simultaneously, all temperature 550 ◦ C, heating rate 0.33 K/s, particle size 1.5–2.5 mm and
spectrums were integrated four times and averaged within the indicated swept gas flow rate at 1.6 × 10− 6 m3/s. From the Fig. 3(a), It can be
regions. 13C NMR is much capable of directly observing the carbon observed that the initially the bio-oil products increases with respect to
skeletal. temperature touches maximum and decreases thereafter.
Similarly the bio-char yield decreased from 35.1% to 19%, for PSW,
2.4.3. GC/MS analysis 37–22.1% for TSW, 37.6–25% for MSW and 30.4–14% for HSW. It can
Mass spectrometric analyses was carried out with a varian GC–MS be seen that the bio-char yield gets decreased from 35% to 41% as the
instrument (Perkin Elmer USA; SQ8 Series) using an analytical column temperature gets increased from 375 to 750 ◦ C as shown in Fig. 3(b).
Elite 5MS (0.25 mm i.d. × 30 m length × 0.25 µm film thickness). The The observations for bio-gas showed, more or less, the same trend.
initial temperature of GC oven was set as 50 ◦ C (grip for 90 s) and The biogas yields also increased with increasing temperature as shown
increased to 240 ◦ C (hold for 600 s) at 0.33 K/sec. Helium was used as a in Fig. 3(c). It was found to be maximum (40.4%) for HSW and minimum
carrier gas at a constant flow rate of 2 × 10− 8 m3/s. A splitless inlet liner (29.1%) for MSW at 750 and 375 ◦ C respectively.
3
M.A. Shah et al. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering 9 (2021) 105564
The experiments were done with different heating rates (0.17, 0.33
and 0.83 K/sec) to investigate the effect of heating rates on product
yields at a particle size 1.5–2.5 mm, sweep gas flow rate of 1.6 × 10− 6
m3/s and constant temperature at 550 ◦ C. Fig. 4(a-c) shows that at all
heating rates, the overall conversion of the pyrolysis was slightly
different. As we move from 0.17 to 0.33 K/s, we observe there is an
increase in bio-oil and bio-gas yield but decrease in bio-char yield. It can
be observed that the bio-oil and bio-gas yields gets increased almost 10%
and bio-char gets decreased upto17% when heating rate changes from
0.17 to 0.33 K/s as shown as shown in Fig. 4(a–c). However at 0.83 K/s,
it can be analyzed that almost constant values are obtained in all the
yields. For the current study, it can be visualized that bio-oil and bio-gas
yields is observed maximum at temperature of 550 ◦ C with heating rate
of 0.33 K/s.
The increase in bio-oil, bio-gas and reduction in the bio-char yields is
due to high heating rate, which may be leads to a rapid depolymeriza
tion to primary volatiles, prevents the secondary reactions and reduces
the mass and heat transfer limitation during pyrolysis. These in
vestigations are well revealed with the other researchers [31–33].
The effect of different sweep nitrogen (N2) gas flow rates on the
yields at a pyrolysis temperature 550 ◦ C, heating rate of 0.33 K/s and
particle size 1.5–2.5 mm is shown in Fig. 6(a–c). N2 flow rate decreases
Fig. 3. (a-c). Influence of temperature on bio-oil, biochar and gas yields at the residence time and creates an inert atmosphere for pyrolysis. Also it
particle size of 1.5–2.5 mm, heating rate 0.33 K/s and swept Gas (N2) velocity
may lower the re-polymerization of vapors to increase the bio-oil yield
of 1.6 × 10− 6 m3/s.
[31]. The product yield of bio-oil increases 25–30%, and decreases
nearly 27–33% when a swept gas flow rate increases from
4
M.A. Shah et al. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering 9 (2021) 105564
Fig. 4. (a-c). Influence of heating rate on bio-oil, biochar and gas yields at Fig. 5. (a-c). Influence of particle size on bio-oil, biochar and gas yields at a
particle size of 1.5–2.5 mm, sweep gas flow rate of 1.6 × 10− 6 m3/s and con heating rate of 0.33 K/s, sweep gas flow rate of 1.6 × 10− 6 m3/s and constant
stant temperature at 550 ◦ C. temperature at 550 ◦ C.
5
M.A. Shah et al. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering 9 (2021) 105564
0.8 × 10− 6–1.6 × 10− 6 and 1.6 × 10− 6–2.5 × 10− 6 m3/s respectively.
The maximum and minimum bio-oil yield is recorded as 44.7% of HSW
and 37.0% of MSW respectively. It is the facts, that at higher nitrogen
flow rate large amount of volatile components are coming out from the
pyrolyzer without condensing properly and reduces the secondary re
actions like partial oxidation, thermal cracking and de-polymerization
[32–35].
The bio-char yield decreases from 24.8% to 22%, 24.3–21% and
23–20.8% as N2 flow rate increases from 0.8 × 10− 6–1.6 × 10− 6 and
1.6 × 10− 6–2.5 × 10− 6 m3/s respectively. Similarly for gas yield in
creases from 33.7% to 38.2%, 34.8–39.4% and 35.2–42.4% as N2 flow
rate increases from 0.8 × 10− 6 - 1.6 × 10− 6 and 1.6 × 10− 6–2.5 × 10− 6
m3/sec respectively. So, it can be concludes that bio-gas and bio-char
yield increases and decreases respectively with increases in sweep gas
flow rates.
Table 1 illustrates the comparative analysis of the pyrolysis of
various types of biomass in fixed bed reactor. It reports the optimum
operating parameters such as heating rate, particle size, N2 flow rate and
temperature for pyrolysis of different walnut shell residues and other
biomass for maximum bio-oil yield. It is found that the optimum py
rolysis heating rate, N2 flow rate, particle size and temperature mainly
vary in the range of 0.17–0.83 K/s, 1.67–3.33 K/s, 0.5–0.02 mm and
500–600 ◦ C respectively. In the present investigations, the values are
comparable with the values reported by other researchers as reported in
Table1 and support the biomass suitability for pyrolysis.
3.5. Density, viscosity, water content, flash, pour point and high heating
value (HHV)
6
M.A. Shah et al. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering 9 (2021) 105564
Table 1
Comparative analysis of various types of biomass for pyrolysis.
Biomass Temperature (◦ C) Heating rate (K/sec) Particle size mm N2 flow rate (m3/sec) Bio-oil yield/mass (%) References
− 6
PWS 550 0.33 1.5–2.5 1.6 × 10 31.4 Present work
TWS 32.7
MWS 33.3
HWS 35.4
6
Pine needles 550 0.83 0.6–0.01 1.6 × 10− 43.76 [31]
6
walnut shell 500 0.5 0.1–0.2 2.5 × 10− 48.2 [36]
6
Napier grass stem 600 0.5 0.2–0.02 0.5 × 10− 32.26 [37]
6
Perennial grass 500 0.67 0.2 2.5 × 10− 26.18 [34]
6
Hornbeam shell 550 0.83 0.5–1 1.6 × 10− 24.67 [38]
6
Jatropha curcas cake 550 0.08 5–8 1.6 × 10− 45 [39]
6
Sugarcane bagasse 560 0.5 0.5–0.85 1.9 × 10− 53.38 [40]
6
Mahua seed 525 0.33 0.55–1 0.5 × 10− 49 [41]
6
Paulownia wood 500 0.83 0.425–1 1.6 × 10− 54 [42]
Table 2
Physicochemical characteristics of bio-oils obtained at 550 ◦ C with particle size of 1.5–2.5 mm and Heating rate 0.33 K/s.
Types of bio-oil Density at 18◦ C (Kg/ Viscosity (cSt Flash point Pour Water content (wt HHV of Bio-oil MJ Reference
m3) (40◦ C) (K) point %) kg− 1
which results a low pour point [50]. 3.6. FTIR for pyrolytic organic and aqueous oils
The high heating values varied from 26 to 27.3 MJ/kg, HSW drew
highest and the lowest for PSW. When compared HHVs of the walnut FTIR spectrums of pyrolytic bio-oils yields obtained at 550 ◦ C py
shells, 30–48% increase was observed for bio-oils as shown in the rolysis temperatures were shown in Fig. 7(a-b). The band assignments
Table 2. When compared with the HHVs of corn cobs and stover bio-oils for different stretching under various band frequencies have been re
[35], the bio-oils in the present investigation was found to possess 18% flected in the Table 3. Band spectra for organic and aqueous bio-oils
more energy contents per unit volume. All the above observations draw have been taken in the range of 500 – 4000 cm− 1 with a resolution of
to the conclusion that bio-oils are much more efficient and cost effective 4 cm− 1. The spectra identify the qualitative composition of bio-oil yields
for transportation than the bio-mass. and dependent on the constituent of biomass but independent of
Fig. 7. (a). FTIR spectra of the organic bio-oil with indexes of the estimated functional structure. (b). FTIR spectrum of the aqueous bio-oil with indexes of the
estimated functional structure.
7
M.A. Shah et al. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering 9 (2021) 105564
Table 3
FTIR spectra band assignments of different types of bio-oils formed after pyrolysis of walnut shell residues at 550 ◦ C.
Band assignment Band frequency (cm¡1)
O–H stretching 3417, 3437 3670–3250 3437 3438 3336 3433 3424 3425
C–H stretching 2933, 2852 – 2934, 2854 – 2849 – 2933, 2852 –
HC˭O stretching (ester) 1716 – – – 1716
HC˭O stretching (ketone) 1712 1751 1712 – 1720 – 1712 1715
C–C/C˭C stretching vibrations in aromatic structure 1610 1610,1660 1619 1639 – 1639 1616 1638,1521
Aromatic skeletal vibrations and C–O–H in-plane bending – 1550, 1390 – 1397 – – – 1401
CH deformation and OH bending vibrations – – – 1398 – – – –
C–O and C–C stretch of guaiacyl unit in lignin 1270,1218 1195- 1270,1215 – – – 1270,1212 –
C–OH stretch and C–H in-plane deformation in syringyl 1114 1113 1114 1113
C–OH and O–CH3 stretching 1030 1029 1029 1030
C–H out-of-plane stretching 975 971 965
C–H out-of-plane stretching 817, 755 865, 634 821 818 818
temperature. It is identified that the oil yields contains condensed vol Walnut, Abnisa et al. [54] for palm shell and polystyrene, Chukwuneke
atiles emitting from hemicellulose and cellulose which may decompose et al. [55] for mahogany wood and Sugumaran et al. [56] for non-edible
completely at temperatures near 350 ◦ C [36]. Hence, the spectra ach seed-cake oils.
ieved at 550 ◦ C pyrolysis temperatures were almost similar.
As to examine the spectra, The most prominent intensive and wide 1 13
3.7. H and C NMR characterization
band peaks are in the range of 3320–3600 cm− 1 of the organic and
aqueous bio-oils, represent the stretching vibration of hydroxyl (–OH)
Characteristic spectra of aromatic fractions and saturates of bio-oil
groups of water, phenol, carboxylic acids or alcohols due to the presence
yields in carbon chain were found with the help of proton (1H) and
of carbohydrates and lignin. The band peaks for organic and aqueous
carbon (13C) NMR and are shown in Fig. 8(a-b). The integral values
bio-oils were almost similar at the wave numbers in the range between
(relative amounts) of various intensities of selected regions of the
3417 and 3437 cm− 1 for PSW, TSW, MSW and HSW, where TSW and
spectra on a percentage basis are presented in Table 4. It was observed
HSW organic and aqueous bio-oils coincide. However, PSW and MSW
that the bio-oil showed extensively differences in the overall chemical
bio-oils showed slight variation. The methyl (CH3) and methylene (CH2)
makeup from the various types of walnut feedstock’s. Table 4 subdivides
groups were detected by –CH stretching at a wave number of 2933,
the proton content into Hα, Hβ and Hγ within each chemical shift range
2852 cm− 1 for PSW, 2934, 2854 cm− 1 for TSW, 2849 cm− 1 for MSW and
and describes it in terms of the percentage of protons with different
2933, 2852 cm− 1 for HSW organic oils [24]. In the present study, the
proton substitution numbers. The upfield spectra region from 0.4 to
C˭O stretching vibrations were observed at band peaks of 1712 cm− 1 for
1.1 ppm, depicting aliphatic protons with aromatic rings attached to
all organic bio-oils except MSW which was found at 1720 cm− 1 and
carbon atoms, for the PSW and TSW bio-oils (~37%), indicating highest
1715 cm− 1 for all aqueous oils, respectively, indicating the presence of
aliphatic content as compared to MSW and HSW bio-oils. Also, HSW bio-
carboxylic acids, ketones, and aldehydes. The peak bands at 1610, 1619
oil does not showed any aliphatic content in this region. The next inte
and 1616 cm− 1 for PSW, TSW and HSW organic oils, respectively, and at
grated region was from 1.1 to 2.0 ppm and investigated protons on
1638, 1639, 1639 and 1638 cm− 1 for PSW, TSW, MSW and HSW
aliphatic carbon atoms that may be bonded to a CH and CH2 (aromatic
aqueous bio-oils, respectively, showed the presence of alkenes. Peak
or olefinic) from a heteroatom. From these investigation bio-oils, such as
band between 1550 and 1490 cm− 1 indicates -NO2 stretching in the
HSW (50%), TSW (~35%) and MSW (12.5%) showed protons however
nitrogenous compounds, which was found in all organic and aqueous
no protons were shown in PSW bio-oil. It can be clearly seen that HSW
oils at 1514 and 1521 cm− 1. The peak bands at 1514 and 1461 cm− 1
bio-oil showed dominant number of protons in this region. It can be
were observed in all types of organic bio-oils, whereas 1390, 1339, 1398
pretended that aliphatic molecules, even those are very near to het
and 1401 cm− 1 were noticed in PSW,TSW, MSW and HSW aqueous
eroatoms or bonded to aromatic portions, are more prevalent for the
bio-oils, supporting the presence of – CH bending of alkanes. Various
higher energy containing bio-oils. The next spectrum lies between 2.05
peaks for organic oils were found at 1270, 1218, 1114, 1030 cm− 1 for
and 4.5 ppm and indicates the presence of protons in all type of bio-oils,
PSW, 1270, 1215, 1113, 1029 and 971 cm− 1 for TSW, 1114, 1029 and
which shows highest for HSW bio-oil (50%) and lowest in TSW bio-oil
965 cm− 1 for MSW and 1270,1212, 1113 and 1030 cm− 1 for HSW
(~28%). This region of the spectrum may indicate protons on carbon
indicating the presence of primary secondary and tertiary alcohols, es
chain next to an aliphatic alcohol or a methylene group or ether that
ters, phenols and ether due to OH bending and – CO stretching vibra
joins two aromatic rings. The spectrum in the range varying from 6.0 to
tions. The peaks of 756, 614 cm− 1 for PSW, 820 and 755 cm− 1 for TSW,
9.0 ppm indicated the presence of mono-, di- and poly- aromatics,
817 and 756 cm− 1 for MSW and 817 and 756 cm− 1 for HSW organic
containing 0.78–12.5% of protons in bio-oils, which contains hydrogen
bio-oils were found showing the presence of aromatic groups. Band
atoms in benzenoids and also hetero aromatics containing O and N.
peaks were found to be broader in organic bio-oils as compared to
Small quantities of mono-, di- and poly- aromatics was observed in TSW
aqueous oils. All the above observations are also supported by the in
bio-oil (0.78%) and highest in MSW bio-oil (12.5%). Interestingly,
vestigations of Ahmed et al. [44] for scrap tire, Gupta et al. [45] for
neither the percentage of aromatic protons was observed within the
8
M.A. Shah et al. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering 9 (2021) 105564
9
M.A. Shah et al. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering 9 (2021) 105564
lignin contents of the biomass nor the energy content of the bio-oils, used. Large number of organic and aqueous bio-oil compounds con
although lignin content of the feedstock and energy content of the bio- sisting of hydrocarbons, alcohols, organic acids, ketones, phenols, al
oil often are linked. The only downfield spectral regions occur in MS dehydes, esters, furans, guaiacols, sugars and other multifunctional
bio-oil and contains 12.5% proton, which indicated that the resonances compounds were extracted as shown in Tables 5 and 6 respectively.
arise from aldehydes, although carboxylic acids may also be present in Some complicated peaks cannot be observed perfectly on the chro
this region. matogram because of its low concentration and volatile in nature. It was
The spectra of the 13C NMR spectrum investigated that CH3 reso observed that the hydrocarbons are dominant followed by other
nances showed variation from 5 to 25 ppm, CH2 showed 20–40 ppm and carbonyl compounds. GC peak areas of the chemical compounds sepa
CH varies from 25 to 60 ppm. Besides these, humps comparable to CH2 rated into their respective carbon families were estimated for the overall
and CH naphthenic carbons in the region 25–60 ppm are clearly sepa distribution of organic and aqueous bio-oils. The mains constituents of
rated in the CHn sub-spectra and contains maximum percentage of biomass are cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and others with different
carbons (23–31%). The presence of aliphatic carbon atoms attributes to proportionality [59]. The similar compounds found are phenol, 2,
the energy content of bio-oils. On compare different bio-oils, it was 6-dimethoxy-, acetate, tri-methoxy amphet amine, 2,3,5-, propylphos
observed that PS-oil showing maximum resonance peaks in aromatic, phonic acid, ethyl isopropyl E, 2,3,4-Trimethoxy phenyl ethyl amine,
aliphatic as well as oxy shift regions. Various bio-oil samples, region benzene ethane amine, 3,4,5-trimethoxy-, 2,4,5-Trimethoxy phenyl
50–110 ppm and 120–160 ppm were contributed by cellulosic com ethyl amine, 9-octadecenoic acid, 2-trimethylsilyl, formic acid,
pounds as in 13C NMR spectra. Also, for region 165–185 ppm ester 2-methoxy phenyl ester, 2,4(3 h,5 h)-thiazoledione, 5–3,4-dimeth in
carbons were dominant. From these observations, a very simplified and Table 4 and Table 5. Hence, hemicellulose, and cellulose gets decom
clear picture was shown for complex hydrocarbon mixtures with a large posed easily during pyrolysis, which leads into gases, ketones, hydro
range of components. In 13C aromaticity of the bio-oil was dominant in carbons, carboxylic acids/aliphatic aldehydes, furans and other
TSW oil (25.9%) and present in all bio-oils as compared to proton, which compounds identified in bio-oil. However the lignin was incompletely
were present only in PSW oil. In 13C NMR aromatic, protonated, bridged decomposed and may be methoxy phenols were remained in the bio-oil.
and substituted aromatic carbons were present in all different types of These investigations were supported by the earlier results for bio-oil
bio-oil. Similar observations were made for 1H and 13C NMR for bio-oil, observations [44, 52, 59, 61–63].
obtained from corncob [5], different pyrolysis oils [57], pinewood,
wheat straw and rapeseed cake [58], cedar residuals [59], fast pyrolysis 3.9. GC analysis of gaseous products
oil [60] and jatropha [52].
The components of the gases released during pyrolysis of walnut
shells residues were identified as H2, CO, CO2 and light hydrocarbons as
3.8. GC/MS characterization of bio-oils CH4, C2H6, C2H4, C3H8, C4H10, C4H8, C3H6 and C5H12. Their average
composition has been presented in Fig. 10. O2, N2, and H2O vapors were
In order to estimate the degree of partitioning of organic/aqueous not analyzed because N2 and O2 were always in the similar proportion as
compounds of all the chemical classes present in bio-oils, GC/MS anal in air; and H2O vapor was condensed during pyrolysis to form liquid
ysis was carried out as illustrated in Fig. 9(a-b). Benzene and hexane H2O product. The formation of CO2 and CO during the pyrolysis can be
were used as solvents. NIST database were used for compilation of mass due to the degradation of cellulose and hemicelluloses at lower tem
spectra, Probability based matching of the individual GC signals was perature. The production of methane and light hydrocarbons could be
due to the degradation of lignin at higher temperature up to 500 ◦ C [64,
Table 4 65]. Further, CH4 and CO were found as most abundant gas produced
Chemical shift regions and results of bio-oil 1H NMR and 13C NMR of protons and (~27% and ~21%, respectively) and followed by CO2 and H2 showing
carbons. 22% and 17%, respectively. Pyrolysis gas produced in different types of
Proton and Symbol Chemical Bio-oil (mol% of total hydrogen walnut shells showed irregular pattern. The yields of the major com
carbon shift range and carbon) ponents of the gas mixture: CO2, CH4, CO, and H2 were observed in the
assignment (ppm)*
PSW TSW MSW HSW following orders:
Aromatic proton Har 6–9 8.45 – – – CO2 ⇒MSW > TSW > HSW > PSW CH4 ⇒ TSW > PSW > MSW
Mono aromatic Hmar 6–7.25 7.97 0.78 12.5 – > HSW.
proton CO ⇒ HSW > TSW > MW S> PSW H2 ⇒ PSW > HSW > MSW
Di + poly Hpar 7.25–9 7.97 0.78 – – > TSW.
aromatic
proton
The gas mixtures have adequate contents of combustible fractions.
Hα to aromatic Hα 2.05–4.5 37.81 27.55 62.5 50 Mahmood et al., [66] used post-treatments, like post catalytic reforming
ring in order to increase the energy content of the observed permanent gases.
Hβ to aromatic/in Hβ 1.1–2.05 – 34.64 12.5 50 Therefore, the gases obtained in the present research may be recom
paraffinic CH
mended as potential gas fuel and also be upgraded for high quality
and CH2
Hγ to aromatic Hγ 0.4–1.1 37.81 36.22 12.5 – syngas.
ring/terminal
CH3 4. Conclusion and recommendations
Aliphatic carbon Cali 5–10 17.31 8.18 – 30.77
Aromatic carbon Car 100–160 22.5 25.9 25 15
Naphthenic CN 25–60 – 31.36 25 23
The products and analysis of bio-oil, biochar and gas generated from
carbon pyrolysis of PSW, TSW, MSW and HSW were examined using fixed bed
Protonated p
Car 100–130 25.03 9.09 12.5 7.7 reactor. In the experiment, the highest bio-yields was obtained using
aromatic optimum operating conditions, like temperature, particle size, heating
carbon
Br rate and the N2 flow rate. Walnut shell samples were pyrolyzed at
Bridgehead Car 124–133 25.03 8.63 12.5 15.4
aromatic temperatures of 375,450,550,650 and 750 ◦ C under specific conditions.
carbon The results showed that the bio-oil yields had more influence of the
Substituted S
Car 133–160 10.11 1.36 25 7.7 pyrolysis temperature. The bio-oil yields obtained from different types
aromatic of walnut shells increases up to 550 ◦ C, after which there were a sig
carbon
nificant decrease in the bio-oil yields, but enhance the gas yields after
10
M.A. Shah et al. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering 9 (2021) 105564
Fig. 9. (a). GC/MS chromatograms of organic bio-oils, (b). GC/MS chromatograms of aqueous bio-oils.,.
11
M.A. Shah et al. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering 9 (2021) 105564
Fig. 9. (continued).
550 ◦ C. The maximum conversions of the oil, char and gas were obtained investigate testing standards. The advanced bio-refinery methods and
for HSW, PSW and HSW at temperature, heating rate, particle size and catalytic upgradation should be well established to substitute non-
nitrogen flow rate of 550 ◦ C, 0.33 K/sec, 1.5–2.5 mm and 1.6 × 10− 6 renewable fuels with renewable fuels. However, the utilization of
m3/sec respectively. The pyrolytic bio-oil showed that the composition biomass residues may be captivating factors for the production of
was predominated by oxygenated compounds such as carbonyl and different biochemical and fuel products for future uses.
carboxyl groups, phenol, and methoxy groups as revealed by GC-MS.
The pyrolytic bio-oils possess high water content leads to low HHV. CRediT authorship contribution statement
Pyrolysis gases obtained at temperature of 550 ◦ C mainly contained CO,
CH4, CO2, and H2 and light hydrocarbons. Based on these results, the Mudasir Shah: carried out experiments and compiled the results and
pyrolysis bio-oil can be considered as a potential fuel and may substitute manuscript, N.S. Khan: monitored the work and helped in manuscript
to petroleum based fuel in future. drafting, Vimal Kumar: supported in analytical measurements and
In future for the sustainability of the biofuel, there are challenges and helped in draft revision, Ahsanulhaq Qurashi: revised and improved
opportunities with the implementation of commercial applications. the manuscript.
Therefore to examine the quality of the bio-yields there is a need to
12
M.A. Shah et al. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering 9 (2021) 105564
Table 5
Identification of the hydrocarbons in the organic bio-oils using GC/MS technique.
Organic oil Peak Name of the compound Molecular formula Molecular weight Area%
Table 6
Identification of the hydrocarbons through GC/MS of the aqueous bio-oils.
Aqueous oil Peak Name of the compound Molecular Formula Molecular weight Area%
13
M.A. Shah et al. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering 9 (2021) 105564
14
M.A. Shah et al. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering 9 (2021) 105564
fruit bunch: yield optimization and bio-oil characterization, J. Anal. Appl. Pyrolysis [55] J. Chukwuneke, J. Sinebe, D. Ugwuegbu, C. Agulonu, Production by pyrolysis and
108 (2014) 284–294, [Link] analysis of bio-oil from mahogany wood (Swietenia macrophylla), Br. J. Appl. Sci.
[41] D. Pradhan, R.K. Singh, H. Bendu, R. Mund, Pyrolysis of Mahua seed (Madhuca Technol. 17 (2016) 1–9, [Link]
indica) – production of biofuel and its characterization, Energy Convers. Manag. [56] V. Sugumaran, S. Prakash, E. Ramu, A.K. Arora, V. Bansal, V. Kagdiyal, D. Saxena,
108 (2016) 529–538, [Link] Detailed characterization of bio-oil from pyrolysis of non-edible seed-cakes by
[42] S. Yorgun, D. Yildiz, Slow pyrolysis of paulownia wood: effects of pyrolysis Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and gas chromatography mass
parameters on product yields and bio-oil characterization, J. Anal. Appl. Pyrolysis spectrometry (GC–MS) techniques, J. Chromatogr. B Anal. Technol. Biomed. Life
114 (2015) 68–78, [Link] Sci. 1058 (2017) 47–56, [Link]
[43] S. Gupta, P. Mondal, V.B. Borugadda, A.K. Dalai, Advances in upgradation of [57] N. Hao, H. Ben, C.G. Yoo, S. Adhikari, A.J. Ragauskas, Review of NMR
pyrolysis bio-oil and biochar towards improvement in bio-refinery economics: a characterization of pyrolysis oils, Energy Fuels 30 (2016) 6863–6880, [Link]
comprehensive review, Environ. Technol. Innov. 21 (2021), 101276, [Link] org/10.1021/[Link].6b01002.
org/10.1016/[Link].2020.101276. [58] L. Negahdar, A. Gonzalez-Quiroga, D. Otyuskaya, H.E. Toraman, L. Liu, J.T.B.
[44] N. Ahmed, M. Zeeshan, N. Iqbal, M.Z. Farooq, S.A. Shah, Investigation on bio-oil H. Jastrzebski, K.M. Van Geem, G.B. Marin, J.W. Thybaut, B.M. Weckhuysen,
yield and quality with scrap tire addition in sugarcane bagasse pyrolysis, J. Clean. Characterization and comparison of fast pyrolysis bio-oils from pinewood,
Prod. 196 (2018) 927–934, [Link] rapeseed cake, and wheat straw using 13C NMR and comprehensive GC × GC, ACS
[45] S. Gupta, G.K. Gupta, M.K. Mondal, Slow pyrolysis of chemically treated walnut Sustain. Chem. Eng. 4 (2016) 4974–4985, [Link]
shell for valuable products: effect of process parameters and in-depth product acssuschemeng.6b01329.
analysis, Energy 181 (2019) 665–676, [Link] [59] S. Nishimura, A. Miyazato, K. Ebitani, Properties of bio-oil generated by a pyrolysis
energy.2019.05.214. of forest cedar residuals with the movable Auger-type reactor Properties of bio-oil
[46] S. Şensöz, I. Demiral, H.F. Gerçel, Olive bagasse (Olea europea L.) pyrolysis, generated by a pyrolysis of forest cedar residuals with the movable Auger-type
Bioresour. Technol. 97 (2006) 429–436, [Link] reactor, 020026 (2018). [Link]
biortech.2005.03.007. [60] R.M. Happs, F.J.R. Iisa, K, quantitative 13C NMR characterization of fast pyrolysis
[47] Z.X. Feng, Z.J. Lu, G.Q. Xiang, Z.Q. Shi, Pyrolysis of rice husk and saw dust for oils, R. Soc. Chem. (2016) 1–7, [Link]
liquid fuel, J. Environ. Sci. 18 (2006) 392–396. [61] P.K. Kanaujia, D.V. Naik, D. Tripathi, R. Singh, M.K. Poddar, L.N. Siva Kumar
[48] M. Bertero, H.A. Gorostegui, C.J. Orrabalis, C.A. Guzmán, E.L. Calandri, U. Sedran, Konathala, Y.K. Sharma, Pyrolysis of Jatropha curcas seed cake followed by
Characterization of the liquid products in the pyrolysis of residual chañar and palm optimization of liquid-liquid extraction procedure for the obtained bio-oil, J. Anal.
fruit biomasses, Fuel 116 (2014) 409–414, [Link] Appl. Pyrolysis 118 (2016) 202–224, [Link]
fuel.2013.08.027. [62] N. Koike, S. Hosokai, A. Takagaki, S. Nishimura, R. Kikuchi, K. Ebitani, Y. Suzuki,
[49] A. Oasmaa, C. Lindfors, D. Elliot, C. Peacocke, Guidelines for transportation, S.T. Oyama, Upgrading of pyrolysis bio-oil using nickel phosphide catalysts,
handling, and use of fast pyrolysis [Link] and toxicity, Energy Fuels J. Catal. 333 (2016) 115–126, [Link]
26 (2012) 3864–3873. [63] S. Hidayat, M.S. Abu Bakar, Y. Yang, N. Phusunti, A.V. Bridgwater,
[50] A. Oasmaa, C. Peacocke. A Guide to Physical Property Characterization of Biomass- Characterisation and Py-GC/MS analysis of Imperata cylindrica as potential
derived Fast Pyrolysis Liquids, A Guide, VTT Publicatons, Espoo, Finland, 2010, biomass for bio-oil production in Brunei Darussalam, J. Anal. Appl. Pyrolysis 134
p. 731. (2018) 510–519, [Link]
[51] R. Sakthivel, K. Ramesh, P.M. Shameer, R. Purnachandran, A complete analytical [64] H. Weldekidan, V. Strezov, R. Li, T. Kan, G. Town, R. Kumar, J. He, G. Flamant,
characterization of products obtained from pyrolysis of wood barks of calophyllum Distribution of solar pyrolysis products and product gas composition produced
inophyllum, Waste Biomass-.-. Valoriz. 10 (2019) 2319–2333, [Link] from agricultural residues and animal wastes at different operating parameters,
10.1007/s12649-018-0236-7. Renew. Energy 151 (2020) 1102–1109, [Link]
[52] D.V. Naik, V. Kumar, B. Prasad, M.K. Poddar, B. Behera, R. Bal, O.P. Khatri, D. renene.2019.11.107.
K. Adhikari, M.O. Garg, Catalytic cracking of jatropha-derived fast pyrolysis oils [65] K. Zeng, D. Gauthier, R. Li, G. Flamant, Solar pyrolysis of beech wood: effects of
with VGO and their NMR characterization, RSC Adv. 5 (2015) 398–409, https:// pyrolysis parameters on the product distribution and gas product composition,
[Link]/10.1039/c4ra08128e. Energy 93 (2015) 1648–1657, [Link]
[53] T. Rout, D. Pradhan, R.K. Singh, N. Kumari, Exhaustive study of products obtained [66] A.S.N. Mahmood, J.G. Brammer, A. Hornung, A. Steele, S. Poulston, The
from coconut shell pyrolysis, J. Environ. Chem. Eng. 4 (2016) 3696–3705, https:// intermediate pyrolysis and catalytic steam reforming of Brewers spent grain,
[Link]/10.1016/[Link].2016.02.024. J. Anal. Appl. Pyrolysis 103 (2013) 328–342.
[54] Faisal Abnisa, W.M.A. Wan Daud, Pyrolysis of mixtures of palm shell and
polystyrene: an optional method to produce a high-grade of pyrolysis oil, Environ.
Prog. Sustain. Energy 33 (2013) 676–680, [Link]
15