The core factors in determining product distributions during pyrolysis: The synergistic effect of volatile-char interactions and temperature

This paper investigated the synergistic effect of volatile-char interaction and temperature on the products generated from poplar pyrolysis. This co-effect influenced the product distribution, the ultimate analysis of biochar, and the organic composition of bio-oil. The maximum yield of bio-oil reached 59.95 wt% under the condition of a weak volatile-char interaction and a mild temperature (400 °C). The gas yield reached 29.76 wt% under a totally opposite condition of a strong interaction and a high pyrolysis temperature (800 °C). The oxygen content of biochar almost decreased to zero when the temperature went up to 800 °C with a weak interaction. The acid contents in bio-oil were reduced from 24.48 to 8.06% when the pyrolysis temperature increased from 400 to 800 °C and the volatile-char interaction was weakened at the same time. The anhydrosugars were undetected when the interaction was strong and pyrolysis temperature was mild, while its highest yield of 13.29% was reached with the continuous weaking of volatile-char interaction and increasing of pyrolysis temperature. The investigation of synergistic effect of volatile-char interaction and temperature provides a research basis for the accurate regulation of pyrolysis product distribution.