Determination of Kinetic and Thermodynamic Parameters of Pyrolysis of Coal and Sugarcane Bagasse Blends Pretreated by Ionic Liquid: A Step towards Optimization of Energy Systems

Abstract

Pyrolysis behavior of ionic liquid (IL) pretreated coal and sugarcane bagasse (SCB) blends through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was studied. Three blends of coal and SCB having 3:1, 1:1, and 1:3 ratios by weight were treated with 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Emim][Cl]) at 150 °C for 3 h. Untreated and IL treated blends were then analyzed under pyrolytic conditions in a TGA at a constant ramp rate of 20 °C/min. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters were evaluated using ten Coats-Redfern (CR) models to assess reaction mechanism. Results showed that the untreated blends followed a definite pattern and were proportional to the concentration of SCB in the blends. IL treated blends exhibited a higher average rate of degradation and total weight loss, indicating that IL had disrupted the cross-linking structure of coal and lignocellulosic structure of SCB. This will enhance the energy generation potential of biomass through thermochemical conversion processes. The lower activation energy (Ea) was calculated for IL treated blends, revealing facile thermal decomposition after IL treatment. Thermodynamic parameters, enthalpy change (ΔH), Gibbs free energy change (ΔG), and entropy change (ΔS), revealed that the pyrolysis reactions were endothermic. This study would help in designing optimized thermochemical conversion systems for energy generation.