Catalytic Pyrolysis in Waste to Energy Recovery Applications: A Review

Abstract

Abstract The review examines the subject matter of catalytic pyrolysis, which is an upgrade on both the operation and output of the thermal pyrolysis process, capable of producing liquid oil products of a higher quality and yield compared to the thermal process, at reduced thermal and energetic demands. The use of catalysts plays a major role in increasing cracking activity and subsequent decomposition reactions, in attaining more desirable aromatic products. The properties, types, classes, loading mechanisms of catalyst as well as modification techniques are delved into in detail in asserting what makes catalyst efficient and effective in improving the pyrolysis process for different organic and inorganic feedstock materials. The catalytic pyrolysis of biomass substrates, which is an area less documented on was also examined, the effect of acidic zeolite catalyst on the process, mechanism, and end product of the pyrolysis process were examined in detail. Post-treatment techniques for the upgrading of liquid oil products were examined ranging from refining, filtration, distillation, and blending with conventional hydrocarbon fuels for use in different applications such as transport fuel deployment and utility generation.