Efficient conversion of cotton stalks over a Fe modified HZSM-5 catalyst under microwave irradiation

Abstract

Microwave-assisted catalytic liquefaction is a promising technology, which converts biomass to liquid valuable fuels via a fast and efficient way. In this study, HZSM-5 based catalysts were usefully obtained through the liquefaction of cotton stalk. Results showed that compared with the conventional thermal liquefaction process, microwave irradiation could promote the cleavage of C–C bonds, and the yield of aromatic compounds increased from 8.4% to 14.0%; doped amounts of Fe species to HZSM-5 distinctly improved the catalytic performance of the catalyst due to enhanced total and weak acid sites. It was found the increased total acid sites apparently facilitated the liquefaction yield of cotton stalk by 19.7%, while the weak acid sites promote the formation of aromatics and long-chain compounds.