Catalytic Upgrading of Bio-oil from Ulva lactuca using Amberlyst-15 Catalyst: Experimental and Kinetic Model

Catalytic pyrolysis of Ulva lactuca macroalgae was studied over Amberlyst-15 catalyst at temperature 400, 500, and 600 oC. The comparison between catalytic and non-catalytic pyrolysis in the conversion of Ulva lactuca was determined. Intriguingly, it was found that Amberlyst-15 catalyst improved bio-oil production efficiency. The highest bio-oil yield of 29.54 wt% was achieved at 600 oC with the presence of an Amberlyst-15 catalyst. Furthermore, Amberlyst-15 catalyst could enhance gas production by over 73.88%. It could be attributed due to the catalytic pyrolysis could promote more small molecules that are more volatile through a cracking process. Elemental and functional groups in pyrolytic bio-oils were identified via GC-MS analysis. The acidity and structure of Amberlyst-15 catalyst significantly affected the distribution of product components, especially the formation of aromatic hydrocarbons, with a 27.78% relative yield. The first-order kinetic model showed that the production of aromatic hydrocarbons follows Arrhenius law.