Upgrading bio-oil production via catalytic co-pyrolysis of oil palm empty fruit bunch and low-density polyethylene using clinoptilolite catalyst

• Published in: Journal of analytical and applied pyrolysis 2025-03, Vol.186, p.106937, Article 106937
• Main Authors: Al-Maari, Mohammed Abobakr, Ahmad, Mohd Azmier, Din, Azam Taufik Mohd, Hassan, Hamizura, Alsobaai, Ahmed Mubarak
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Catalytic; Clean fuel; Clinoptilolite; Co-pyrolysis; EFB; LDPE; Renewable; Zeolite
• ISSN: 0165-2370
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jaap.2024.106937

The cost-effective upgradation of pyrolysis oil is a significant challenge that hinders the commercial production of biomass biofuels. This research aimed to enhance bio-oil production by co-feeding low-density polyethylene (LDPE) with palm oil empty fruit bunch (EFB) waste using a natural clinoptilolite catalyst in a fixed-bed reactor. The impact of pyrolysis temperature and the catalyst-to-feedstock (C/F) ratio on the yields and chemical composition of the bio-oil were examined. Clinoptilolite significantly enhanced the yield of the bio-oil as well as its chemical composition. The maximum yield of bio-oil (72.6 %) with a yield of hydrocarbons (77.6 %) were attained at 500 °C, using a C/F mass ratio of 0.2. Liquid oil produced using clinoptilolite catalyst exhibited a high heating value (HHV) (44.2MJ/kg), which is comparable to conventional diesel. •Natural clinoptilolite catalyst significantly enhanced bio-oil yield and quality during co-pyrolysis of LDPE and palm EFB waste.•Optimum conditions (500°C, catalyst-to-feedstock ratio of 0.2) achieved maximum bio-oil yield of 72.6 % with 77.8 % hydrocarbon content.•Catalytic co-pyrolysis increased the bio-oil's higher heating value to 44.2 MJ/kg, comparable to conventional diesel.•Using clinoptilolite as a low-cost natural zeolite catalyst improved hydrocarbon content by 14.8 % compared to non-catalytic co-pyrolysis.