Pyrolysis of tobacco residue. Part 2: Catalytic

Abstract

The pyrolysis of tobacco residue in the presence of metal oxides and metal chlorides was investigated at 300, 400, and 500 oC. Catalysts used were Al2O3, Fe2O3, AlCl3, and SnCl4 in concentrations from 1 up to 5 wt% of the tobacco residue feedstock. The amount of catalysts and the pyrolysis temperature had significant effect on both product distributions and bio-oil composition. The catalytic effect was dominant at the lowest temperature (300 oC). The pyrolysis temperature was decreased by 200 oC compared to the thermal run. Bio-oil contained a large variety of compounds. Nicotine, which is very stable until temperatures in excess of 600 oC, could be degraded at the lowest temperature by using 1 wt% of AlCl3 and 1 wt% of Fe2O3.