Microwave-induced low temperature pyrolysis of macroalgae for unprecedented hydrogen-enriched syngas production

Abstract

An efficient methodology based on low temperature microwave-induced pyrolysis has been developed for syngas production from macroalgae. The protocol provided unprecedented hydrogen production, with switchable H₂/CO ratios depending on pyrolysis conditions which were found to remarkably improve conventional pyrolysis experiments even at significantly higher temperatures (400 vs. 800 °C). Arcing effects under microwave irradiation, which result in an interesting observed pseudo-catalytic effect promoted by the metal oxides contained in macroalgae, seem to account for the improved results.