Mechanistic and kinetic investigation on maximizing the formation of levoglucosan from cellulose during biomass pyrolysis

Attempts to understand and control the formation of levoglucosan, as a key bio-oil compound an important intermediate chemical, during biomass pyrolysis have recently generated large number experimental computational studies. Whilst promising mechanisms been put forward explain levoglucosan formation, there has yet be clarity on factors that inhibit stoichiometric yields from cellulose, and, current available adopt model compounds short chain oligosaccharide structures rather than cellulose polymer. In this work, kinetic models describing (with Degree Polymerisation DP 2048) decomposition constructed. It was found temperature residence time co-ordinately influenced yield i.e. maximum can reached within 80 s at 600 °C, however, around 10 min is required 550 °C. Anhydro-oligosaccharides greater DP8 will then consumed in 60 with temperatures 500 °C over. The results also showed concerted initiation depropagation reactions are insufficient experimentally observed high rates depolymerisation other such side considered. Additionally, it rate generation independent initial length, which finding facilitate future studies area bioenergy decomposition.