Journal: Energy

Author: Jechan Lee, Xiao Yang, Hocheol Song, Yong Sik Ok, Eilhann E. Kwon 

Abstract: 

This study focuses on the mechanistic understanding of effects of CO₂ on pyrolysis of peat. To do this, three pyrolytic products (i.e., syngas: H₂ and CO, pyrolytic oil (tar), and biochar) were characterized. Thermal cracking of volatile organic carbons (VOCs) generated from pyrolysis of peat was enhanced in the presence of CO₂. Besides the enhanced thermal cracking of VOCs, unknown reaction between CO₂ and VOCs was also identified. Accordingly, CO₂ played a role in enhancing syngas production and in reducing tar formation in pyrolysis of peat. This study also reveals that peat-biochar produced in CO₂ exhibited a larger surface area than that produced in N₂. The results shown in this paper would be used for various applications such as energy recovery from peat using a potent greenhouse gas (for example, CO₂).

Keywords: Pyrolysis, Syngas, Biochar, Black carbon, Charcoal, Tar



DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2016.11.143