Microwave-Assisted Pyrolysis of Biomass for Bio-Oil Production: A Review of the Operation Parameters

As compared with the conventional electrical heating pyrolysis, microwave-assisted pyrolysis (MAP) is more rapid and efficient due to its unique heating mechanisms. However, bio-oil production from MAP of biomass is strongly dependent on the operation parameters. Based on the recent researches, this study reviews the effects of the main operation parameters including microwave power, pyrolysis temperature, and pyrolysis time on the bio-oil yield obtained from MAP of biomass. The results show that microwave power, pyrolysis temperature, and pyrolysis time usually increase the bio-oil yield initially and decrease the bio-oil yield finally. The reported optimal microwave powers, pyrolysis temperatures, and pyrolysis times were mainly in the ranges of 300-1500 W, 400-800 degrees C, and 6-25 min, respectively. The mechanisms for bio-oil produced from MAP of biomass as affected by the main operation parameters were also analyzed.