Upgrading of Bio-oil Via Microwave-assisted Pyrolysis of Corncob over CaO and HZSM-5 Mixed Catalysts to Promote the Formation of Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Bio-oil upgrading via microwave-assisted pyrolysis of corncob over CaO and HZSM-5 mixed catalysts to promote the formation of aromatic hydrocarbon was investigated in this study. Results showed that with an increased ratio of HZSM-5 catalyst, the bio-oil yield was decreased; however, the proportion of aromatic hydrocarbons increased at first and then decreased. The maximum proportion of aromatic hydrocarbons was 35.8%, which was obtained with an optimal ratio of CaO to HZSM-5 of 1:2. This study showed the effects of CaO and HZSM-5 mixed catalysts under microwave-assisted pyrolysis in terms of improving the formation of aromatic hydrocarbons in bio-oil.