Evaluating the effect of torrefaction on the pyrolysis of biomass and the biochar catalytic performance on dry reforming of methane

The torrefaction and pyrolysis experiments on hawthorn seed (HS) were carried out, and biochar obtained was utilized as a catalyst in dry reforming of methane (DRM) under microwave field. The product was characterized and analyzed to explore the influence of torrefaction on HS, subsequent pyrolysis process and catalytic performance of biochar. Results reveal that increasing torrefaction temperature enhanced deoxygenation and dehydration of solid product, thus increase gas and liquid product. And the yield of tar increases significantly with pyrolysis temperature. The carbon content of biochar with potential as carbon-based catalyst can exceed 80%. As torrefaction was implement before pyrolysis, not only was smokey flavor of tar improved, but also carbonization of biochar was further enhanced. As torrefaction temperature and pyrolysis temperature was respectively set at 300 °C and 600 °C, the biochar acquired could make the conversion rate of CH4 and CO2 reach 75% and 85% in the DRM reaction, respectively.