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Decoupling gas-gas phase interactions in catalytic co-pyrolysis of biomass and plastic over HZSM-5: Molecular mechanisms of synergy between oxygenates and olefins

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  • Lin, Xiaona
  • Sun, Zhen
  • Zhuansun, Xiaojie
  • Li, Hongtao
  • Sun, Cheng
  • Fu, Peng

Abstract

The co-pyrolysis of biomass and waste plastics involves complex solid-solid, solid-gas, and gas-gas phase interactions. Understanding the gas-phase interactions during ex-situ catalysis is essential for regulating product distribution. This study investigated the catalytic mechanisms governing gas-phase interactions between model biomass-derived oxygenates (methanol, acetic acid, acetone, furfural, guaiacol) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE)-derived 1-pentene over HZSM-5. The results indicate that hydrogen transfer from 1-pentene was identified as critical for the deoxygenation of methanol and acetone, achieving synergistic mono-aromatic hydrocarbons (MAHs) production of 78.1 % and 87.2 %, respectively. Conversely, the self- and co-polymerization of furfural at active sites inhibited the aromatization of 1-pentene, reducing MAHs formation by 23.3 % compared to the calculated value. Additionally, competitive adsorption of guaiacol irreversibly blocked the acid sites required for 1-pentene, suppressing the MAHs content by 37.8 %. By decoupling the interactions between biomass components and HDPE, it was found that the gas-phase interactions positively influenced aromatics formation to varying degrees. Specifically, co-pyrolysis of cellulose and HDPE maximized MAHs formation by 19.3 % via hydrogen transfer deoxygenation and olefin cyclization, while lignin promoted PAHs production by 14.6 % due to phenolic polymerization. This work provides valuable insights into the synergistic effect during the catalytic co-pyrolysis of biomass and waste plastics for selective aromatic production.

Suggested Citation

  • Lin, Xiaona & Sun, Zhen & Zhuansun, Xiaojie & Li, Hongtao & Sun, Cheng & Fu, Peng, 2026. "Decoupling gas-gas phase interactions in catalytic co-pyrolysis of biomass and plastic over HZSM-5: Molecular mechanisms of synergy between oxygenates and olefins," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 258(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:258:y:2026:i:c:s0960148125026308
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.124966
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