Catalytic Upgrading of Bio-oil from Ulva lactuca using Amberlyst-۱۵ Catalyst: Experimental and Kinetic Model

Catalytic pyrolysis of Ulva lactuca macroalgae was studied over Amberlyst-۱۵ catalyst at temperature ۴۰۰, ۵۰۰, and ۶۰۰ oC. The comparison between catalytic and non-catalytic pyrolysis in the conversion of Ulva lactuca was determined. Intriguingly, it was found that Amberlyst-۱۵ catalyst improved bio-oil production efficiency. The highest bio-oil yield of ۲۹.۵۴ wt% was achieved at ۶۰۰ oC with the presence of an Amberlyst-۱۵ catalyst. Furthermore, Amberlyst-۱۵ catalyst could enhance gas production by over ۷۳.۸۸%. It could be attributed due to the catalytic pyrolysis could promote more small molecules that are more volatile through a cracking process. Elemental and functional groups in pyrolytic bio-oils were identified via GC-MS analysis. The acidity and structure of Amberlyst-۱۵ catalyst significantly affected the distribution of product components, especially the formation of aromatic hydrocarbons, with a ۲۷.۷۸% relative yield. The first-order kinetic model showed that the production of aromatic hydrocarbons follows Arrhenius law.