Activity and Structure of Nano-Sized Cobalt-Containing Systems for the Conversion of Lignin and Fuel Oil to Synthesis Gas and Hydrocarbons in a Microwave-Assisted Plasma Catalytic Process

In this study, we present the results of lignin and fuel oil conversion to hydrogen, synthesis gas, and liquid hydrocarbons in the presence of nano-sized cobalt-containing systems in a microwave-assisted plasma catalytic process. The deposition of a small amount of cobalt on lignin increases its microwave absorption capacity and provides plasma generation in the reaction zone. The role of Co-containing particles in the above catalytic reactions is probably to activate the carbon bonds of lignin, which substantially increases the microwave absorption capacity of the system as a whole. The subsequent use of the cobalt-containing residue of lignin conversion as a catalytic system and MWI-absorbing material results in active fuel oil pyrolysis in a plasma catalytic process to afford gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons. In the plasma catalytic pyrolysis, fuel oil conversion is probably accompanied by the conversion of the organic matter of the residue and agglomeration of cobalt oxide particles.

Automated summary

In this study, lignin and fuel oil were converted into hydrogen, synthesis gas, and liquid hydrocarbons using nano-sized cobalt-containing systems in a microwave-assisted plasma catalytic process. The cobalt plays a crucial role in activating the carbon bonds of lignin and enhancing the microwave absorption capacity, leading to efficient fuel oil pyrolysis.