Catalytic Conversion of Bamboo Sawdust over ZrO₂–CeO₂/γ-Al₂O₃ to Produce Ketonic Hydrocarbon Precursors and Furans

Abstract

A series of metal oxides including ZrO2/γ-Al2O3, CeO2/γ-Al2O3, and ZrO2–CeO2/γ-Al2O3 were synthesized and employed to conduct catalytic fast pyrolysis of bamboo sawdust via an analytical pyrolyzer/gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (Py-GC/MS) to produce hydrocarbon precursors such as ketones and furans. Experimental results illustrated that the use of metal oxides enhanced the formation of ketones and monoaromatic hydrocarbons compared to catalyst-free trial. Among the metal oxides, ZrO2–CeO2/γ-Al2O3 exhibited the most significant ketonization and aldol condensation activities yielding the highest concentration of linear and cyclic ketones. In addition, nonacidic oxygenates such as furfural, acetol, butanedial, 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran, and methyl acetate, were efficiently converted into hydrocarbon precursors over metal oxides. A dual catalytic bed system integrating ZrO2–CeO2/γ-Al2O3 and HZSM-5 significantly facilitated the production of aromatic hydrocarbons compared to pure HZSM-5 catalytic run. The use of ZrO2–CeO2/γ-Al2O3 mixed with HZSM-5 mode maximized the formation of xylenes, while ZrO2–CeO2/γ-Al2O3 mixed with bamboo sawdust catalytic trial increased the concentration of benzene, toluene, and alkylbenzenes.