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Decoupling and regulation of primary and secondary reactions in rapeseed cake pyrolysis through limited thermal focal area based on photo-thermal heating

Author

Listed:
  • Huang, Dexin
  • Song, Gongxiang
  • Li, Ruochen
  • Xu, Kai
  • Xu, Jun
  • Jiang, Long
  • Wang, Yi
  • Su, Sheng
  • Hu, Song
  • Xiang, Jun

Abstract

The tight coupling of primary and secondary reactions in biomass pyrolysis complicates reaction mechanisms and product control. Photo-thermal (PT) pyrolysis, with its thermal focusing effect, allows volatiles to enter the heat-restricted area with controllable secondary homogeneous reaction intensity, enabling easier separation and independent regulation of primary reactions and secondary homogeneous reactions. This study developed a two-stage PT heating reactor to explore the mechanisms of secondary homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions during rapeseed cake pyrolysis. Results showed that stronger secondary volatile-char interactions promoted polymerization of bio-oil and the combination of free radicals with unsaturated rings, mainly increasing the content of 2–3 ring aromatic compounds. The interactions also induced free radical coupling, forming more aliphatic radicals that competed with char aromatization, reducing condensation. Secondary homogeneous volatile reactions mainly influenced the conversion of light components, promoting their cracking into gases, increasing H2 and CO yields by 26.39 NmL/g and 9.62 NmL/g, respectively. High-activity aromatic compounds underwent methylation and methoxylation reactions and also served as precursors for polycyclic aromatics. At second-stage temperatures above 300 °C, bio-oil component oligomerization was also promoted, enhancing the aromaticity of the bio-oil. This study provides a basis for understanding and regulating primary and secondary reactions to optimize biomass pyrolysis products.

Suggested Citation

  • Huang, Dexin & Song, Gongxiang & Li, Ruochen & Xu, Kai & Xu, Jun & Jiang, Long & Wang, Yi & Su, Sheng & Hu, Song & Xiang, Jun, 2026. "Decoupling and regulation of primary and secondary reactions in rapeseed cake pyrolysis through limited thermal focal area based on photo-thermal heating," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 258(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:258:y:2026:i:c:s0960148125026667
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.125002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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