Scott W. Banks

Catalytic fast pyrolysis for improved liquid quality

This chapter provides a review of catalytic fast pyrolysis of biomass and its potential for improving fast pyrolysis oil quality. Catalytic pyrolysis focuses on the use of catalysts in a fast pyrolysis system processing biomass and/or waste materials for the production of bio-oil, liquid, and secondary products. As the development of sustainable energy and fuel sources is of growing concern, different approaches to pyrolysis are being considered to alleviate fears of climate change and fuel shortages. These are discussed in other chapters. This review describes the current catalytic fast pyrolysis field with particular focus on the effect of fast pyrolysis conditions on catalyst reactivity and life time. The different active solid materials that can be used within a pyrolysis system to improve pyrolysis oil are described and compared. Current reactor design and technology is also summarized.