In situ catalytic pyrolysis of miscanthus over modified SBA-15 catalysts using Py-GC/MS

Various SBA-15-based catalysts, Si-SBA-15, Pt/Si-SBA-15, Al-SBA-15, and Pt/Al-SBA-15, were applied to the catalytic pyrolysis of miscanthus. Pt nanoparticles with three different sizes, 1.7 nm, 2.9 nm, and 7.1 nm, were used to synthesize Pt/Si-SBA-15 and Pt/Al-SBA-15. Pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used for the pyrolysis experiments. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction patterns, transmittance electron microscopy, N2 adsorption-desorption, and Brunaure-Emmett-Teller surface area. The product species distribution of pyrolysis of miscanthus was significantly affected by the acid property of the catalyst and the presence of Pt. In particular, Pt/Al-SBA-15, which has both acid sites and Pt, changed the product species distribution to the largest extent; the main products were phenolics and furans. The effect of Pt particle size on the species distribution of pyrolysis product was negligible.