Synergistic effect of curcumin and activated carbon catalyst enhancing hydrogen production from biomass pyrolysis

This study observes the synergistic effect of low cost and environmentally friendly catalysts, Activated Carbon and curcumin on the production of hydrogen gas in the biomass pyrolysis process. The Study used turmeric containing curcumin as an anti-oxidant agent added to the activated carbon (AC) catalyst. Biomass from coconut wood was pyrolyzed up to 550 degrees C using a fixed bed reactor. Both AC and curcumin were combined with a ratio of 1:0, 1:1, 1: 3, 0:1, and 3:1. The addition of AC and curcumin was able to increase the production of hydrogen and methane gas. The combination of AC and curcumin with 1:1 ratio was able to increase hydrogen gas by 25.6%. In addition, this combination was also increase methane gas by 71.8%. Curcumin as an anti-oxidant is able to prevents recombination reactions between radical molecules. Activated carbon surface is more protected from free radicals attacking and sticking to the surface. The phi-phi interaction between the two aromatic rings and the surface of activated carbon produces electrostatic forces on the surface of activated carbon to become stronger therefore it is more reactive in cracking hydrocarbon molecules and producing hydrogen gas. Software simulation, SEM, XRD, and FTIR tests were performed to support the analysis of experimental results. (C) 2020 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study explores the synergistic effect of activated carbon and curcumin in the production of hydrogen gas during biomass pyrolysis, showing that their combination can significantly increase hydrogen and methane gas yields. The use of curcumin as an antioxidant and the protective interaction between the aromatic rings of curcumin and activated carbon surface contribute to this enhancement. Simulation software and various tests were conducted to support the experimental results.