Pyrolysis oil is a complex mixture primarily composed of oxygenated hydrocarbons and water, with additional components like solid char. The water content typically ranges from 20 to 30 weight percent, influenced by the production process. Pyrolysis oil can be viewed as a micro-emulsion where an aqueous solution of holocellulose decomposition products forms the continuous phase, stabilizing the discontinuous phase of pyrolytic lignin macro-molecules through mechanisms such as hydrogen bonding.
Chemical Composition:
- Oxygenated Hydrocarbons: These are the primary constituents of pyrolysis oil, derived from the decomposition of biomass components like hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin. The oxygenated nature of these compounds lowers the heating value compared to conventional fuel oils.
- Water: Present in significant amounts (14–33 wt%), water in pyrolysis oil is challenging to remove via conventional methods like distillation. This high water content can lead to phase separation if it exceeds certain thresholds.
- Solid Char: Some pyrolysis oil samples may contain solid char, a residue from incomplete decomposition during pyrolysis.
- Reactive Species: The oil contains many reactive intermediate decomposition products, contributing to its instability over time. These reactive components can undergo condensation reactions, leading to changes in viscosity and potential phase separation.
Stability and Reactions: Pyrolysis oil is generally unstable and can change over time, particularly in terms of viscosity. This aging is due to condensation reactions among the reactive components. Heating the oil above 100°C can lead to rapid reactions, resulting in a solid residue and a distillate containing volatile organic compounds and water. Unlike conventional oils, pyrolysis liquids cannot be completely re-vaporized once recovered, further highlighting their reactive nature.
Comparison with Conventional Fuel Oil: Pyrolysis oil has a lower heating value (15–22 MJ/kg) compared to conventional fuel oil (43–46 MJ/kg) due to the presence of oxygenated compounds. Its density is about 1.2 kg/liter, and it typically appears as a dark brown or black liquid. The complex nature of pyrolysis oil, including its high water content and reactive components, makes it a unique and challenging fuel source with distinct properties and applications.
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