Microwave-assisted catalytic co-pyrolysis of soybean straw and soapstock for bio-oil production using SiC ceramic foam catalyst

Microwave-assisted catalytic co-pyrolysis of soybean straw and soapstock was investigated by using silicon carbide ceramic foam as catalyst. The study determined the effects of catalytic temperature, feed-to-catalyst ratio, and soybean straw-to-soapstock ratio on product yield and chemical composition. Experimental results indicated high yield and ratio of hydrocarbon in bio-oil were observed at a catalytic temperature of 350 degrees C. The use of a catalyst enhanced the hydrocarbon proportion at the expense of decreased in bio-oil yield. A significant synergistic effect was observed during co-pyrolysis of soybean straw and soapstock, and this effect facilitated hydrocarbon production from bio-oil.