Enhancement of BTX production via catalytic fast pyrolysis of almond shell, olive pomace with polyvinyl chloride mixtures

This work addresses enhanced benzene, toluene and xylene (BTX) production by catalytic fast co-pyrolysis from agroindustrial biomass blended with PVC and the use of prepared NaZSM-5 and HZSM-5. Results from catalytic fast pyrolysis of biomass indicates that oxygen-containing compounds decreased whereas aromatics increased. The catalytic effect of mineral content altered the co-pyrolysis intermediates by increasing the formation of mono-aromatics while reducing poly-aromatic hydrocarbons. Furthermore, the addition of PVC strongly influenced thermal decomposition of agricultural waste biomass, where BTX yields were enhanced up to 26.6% and 25.1% for 1:2 OP/PVC-HZ and 1:2 AS/PVC-HZ, respectively. Yields of toluene and xylene peaked at 19% and 10.5% hydrocarbon yields with 1:2 OP/PVC-HZ blend. Additionally, from the pyrolytic gas, CH4 yields increased while the CO2 yield fell due to oxygen removal by decarboxylation. These findings could provide a great insight into the olive pomace and almond shell valorization through an inexpensive and straightforward easy process. (C) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Institution of Chemical Engineers.

Automated summary

This study focuses on the enhanced production of benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) through catalytic fast co-pyrolysis of agroindustrial biomass blended with PVC, using prepared NaZSM-5 and HZSM-5 catalysts. The results show that the presence of mineral content alters the formation of co-pyrolysis intermediates, leading to increased BTX yields. The addition of PVC enhances the thermal decomposition of agricultural waste biomass, resulting in significantly higher BTX yields.