Co-pyrolysis of petroleum coke and banana leaves biomass: Kinetics, reaction mechanism, and thermodynamic analysis

Insights into thermal degradation behaviour, kinetics, reaction mechanism, possible synergism, and thermodynamic analysis of co-pyrolysis of carbonaceous materials are crucial for efficient design of co-pyrolysis reactor systems. Present study deals with comprehensive kinetics and thermodynamic investigation of co-pyrolysis of petroleum coke (PC) and banana leaves biomass (BLB) for realizing the co-pyrolysis potential. Thermogravimetric non-isothermal studies have been performed at 10, 20, and 30 degrees C/min heating rates. Synergistic effect between PC and BLB was determined by Devolatilization index (D-i) and mass loss method. Kinetic parameters were estimated using seven model-free methods. Standard activation energy for PC + BLB blend from FWO, KAS, Starink, and Vyazovkin methods was approximate to 165 kJ/mol and that from Friedman and Vyazovkin advanced isoconversional methods was approximate to 171 kJ/mol. The frequency factor calculated for the blend from Kissinger method was found to be in the range of 10(6)-10(16) s(-1). Devolatilization index (D-i) showed synergistic effect of blending. The data pertaining to co-pyrolysis was found to fit well with R2 (second order) and D3 (three dimensional) from Z(alpha) master plot. Thermodynamic parameters, viz. Delta H approximate to 163 kJ/mol and Delta G approximate to 151 kJ/mol were calculated to determine the feasibility and reactivity of the co-pyrolysis process. The results are expected to be useful in the design of petcoke and banana leaves biomass co-pyrolysis systems.

Automated summary

This study investigated the kinetics and thermodynamics of co-pyrolysis of petroleum coke and banana leaves biomass, revealing synergistic effects and determining activation energy and frequency factor. Thermodynamic parameters were also calculated to evaluate the feasibility and reactivity of the co-pyrolysis process, which could be valuable for the design of co-pyrolysis systems.