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Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

New article: Pyrolysis of Potassium-Doped Wood at the Centimeter and Submillimeter Scales

Article: Shah, MH; Deng, L; Bennadji, H; Fisher, EM; (2015)  “Pyrolysis of Potassium-Doped Wood at the Centimeter and Submillimeter Scales”, Energy & Fuels, 29 (11): 7350-7357

DOI

Abstract: The effect of potassium additives on pyrolysis of poplar was investigated at 427 degrees C, both at the submillimeter scale, through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and at the centimeter scale, through pyrolysis of wood cylinders in a turbulent reactor. Internal temperatures and time-resolved rates of production of gases and light volatiles were measured in the centimeter-scale study. The potassium level in the samples was varied through vacuum treatment with distilled water or solutions of KCl or K2CO3, resulting in potassium levels of approximately 100, 4500, and 7000 ppm (dry, mass basis). At the centimeter scale, potassium addition had a dramatic effect on conversion time and on the magnitude of exothermic temperature excursions, as well as a significant effect on the yields of gases and light volatiles.

Consistent with the literature, submillimeter-scale TGA experiments with external temperature control also indicated a catalytic effect of the potassium additives, with K2CO3 more effective than KCl in promoting pyrolysis and char formation.

Funding Acknowledgement:  Fondation des Fondateurs; China Scholarship Council; National Science Foundation [DMR-1120296]

Funding Text:  The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support of Yossie Hollander and Fondation des Fondateurs, as well as the State Scholarship Fund of China Scholarship Council. This work made use of the Cornell Center for Materials Research Facilities supported by the National Science Foundation under Award Number DMR-1120296. The authors thank Dr. Anthony Condo, Mr. Akio Enders, Mr. Dana Paul, Dr. Michael Rutzke, Prof. William B. Smith of SUNY ESF, and Ms. Colette Trouillot.

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