Effect of a mesoporous catalyst on the flash pyrolysis of tobacco

Thermal and catalytic pyrolysis of a tobacco blend were studied by pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). The Py-GC/MS experiments were carried out in helium and air atmosphere at 300, 500 and 700 degrees C. SBA-15 mesoporous silica has been used as a catalyst blended with the tobacco at 5%, 15% and 50%. The results obtained show that under inert atmosphere and at high pyrolysis temperatures, the catalyst addition did not significantly modify the formation of pyrolysis products, while under oxidising atmosphere and at low temperatures, the formation of pyrolysis products decrease considerably. It was found that components linked to tobacco use responsible of the most severe health effects are generated from 500 degrees C on. Catalyst selectivity has been observed, maintaining nicotine release while decreasing the generation of other pyrolysis products. It was found that the concentration of the catalyst modifies the formation of the selected pyrolysis products significantly, although 5% of the catalyst is enough to obtain significant results.

Automated summary

The study found that the addition of catalyst under oxidising atmosphere and at low temperatures significantly decreased the formation of pyrolysis products, while under inert atmosphere and at high temperatures, it did not have a significant impact on the formation of pyrolysis products.