Total recovery of resources and energy from rice straw using microwave-induced pyrolysis

This article presents the application of microwave-induced pyrolysis to total recovery of resources and energy from rice straw. The microwave power and particle size of feedstock were both key parameters affecting the performance of microwave-induced pyrolysis. Under 400-500W microwave power, the reduction of fixed carbon in the biomass was significant. From the experimental results of specific surface area, zeta potential, and Cu2+ adsorption, the applications of solid residues in the water and wastewater treatment could be expected. The major compositions in gaseous product were H-2, CO2, CO, CH4 of 55, 17, 13, 10 vol.%, respectively. The high H-2 content might imply that microwave-induced pyrolysis of biomass waste has the potential to produce the H-2-rich fuel gas. Alkanes, polars, and low-ringed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were three primary kinds of compounds in the liquid product. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.