Effect of Li-LSX-zeolite on the in-situ catalytic deoxygenation and denitrogenation of Isochrysis sp. microalgae pyrolysis vapours

In this work, we report for the first time the use of Li-LSX-zeolite as catalyst for the catalytic pyrolysis of biomass (Isochrysis sp. Microalgae). Li-LSX-zeolite showed a good catalytic performance, principally for bio-oil denitrogenation (mainly in form of NH3), and good activity for olefins and aromatics production. At 500 °C, 11.8% aromatics and 23.1% aliphatics were produced. The increase of temperature led to transfer of C to the gas phase, coke formation on the catalyst surface and decrease in N-compounds in the bio-oil. The increase of the catalyst to biomass ratio from 0 to 3:1 resulted in the aromatics being five-fold those non-catalytically obtained and in a higher cracking power that reduced the bio-oil to 23% at expenses of olefins rich gas. However, a linear correlation between coke formation and aromatic yield was observed as the catalyst to microalgae ratio was increased. Therefore, the experimental results indicate that Li-LSX-zeolite could be used as catalyst for in-situ denitrogenation of microalgae bio-oil and for enhancing aliphatics and aromatics formation to be blend in gasoline and diesel and olefins in gas phase.