The Critical Role of Pyrolysis Temperature: A Comparative Study of Corn Stover, Rice Straw, Rice Husk, and Sawdust
摘要
Biomass energy utilization represents a critical strategy for achieving the global transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Pyrolysis, as an advanced thermochemical process for biomass valorization, has received significant attention. This study systematically examines the pyrolysis temperature effects (400–600 °C) on product distribution, gas composition, and physico-chemical characteristics of biochar derived from four lignocellulosic feedstocks (corn stover, rice straw, rice husk, sawdust) using a fixed-bed reactor. Although major decomposition occurred between 200 and 400 °C, experiments were conducted at 400, 500, and 600 °C to investigate product distributions. The results indicate that the pyrolysis of the four selected biomasses primarily occurs in the temperature range of 200 to 400 °C. Product distribution was mainly influenced by the thermal decomposition of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, as well as secondary cracking reactions. With increasing pyrolysis temperature, the content of combustible components CO, H2, and CH4 in the pyrolysis gas increased significantly, while the biochar yield decreased, and its pore structure became more porous and well-defined. For instance, in the temperature range of 200 to 600 °C, H2 content in the pyrolysis gas increased from 0.9% to 14.5%. Simultaneously, biochar yield decreased from 41.8% to 15.6%, while its specific surface area rose from 1.3 to 3.7 m2/g. These findings contribute to optimizing biochar and syngas production through temperature and feedstock selection.