Phenols production form Douglas fir catalytic pyrolysis with MgO and biomass-derived activated carbon catalysts

Catalytic pyrolysis of Douglas fir with MgO and biomass-derived activated carbon catalysts (MAC) was investigated for the first time. The effects of MAC to Douglas fir ratio, experimental temperature, and MgO to activated carbon ratio on product distributions were studied. The bio-oil yields varied from 45.7 to 58.5 wt% under various experimental conditions. The main bio-oil products from the catalytic pyrolysis of Douglas fir were phenols, furans, aldehydes, and ketones. Methane, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide were the dominant gas products. The bio-oil yields, the selectivities of phenols and furans, and the proportion of target gas products were increased with the addition of catalysts compared to Douglas fir pyrolysis without catalysts, but the effect of MAC to Douglas fir ratio was negative for the bio-oil yield. The alkylation of methoxy phenols was promoted by MgO. According to the different experimental results, the maximum production of bio-oils was acquired at the experimental condition of 500 degrees C, MAC to Douglas fir ratio of 1:2, and MgO to activated carbon ratio of 0.2. This work could provide a novel and viable way for the conversion of Douglas fir into high bio-oil yield and relieve the stress of energy shortages and environmental pollution. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.