Thermo‐catalytic pyrolysis of wastes using bimetal‐modified ZSM ‐5 catalyst: investigation of the reaction kinetic parameters

The decomposition of waste polymers and the main reaction kinetic parameters of the pyrolysis have been discussed based on thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) using Me/Ni/ZSM-5 catalysts (Me = Ca, Ce, La, Mg, Mn). Mainly, the effect of the raw materials (polyolefin, polyethylene terephthalate) and catalyst presence to the weight loss were investigated. The tested catalysts can effectively reduce the activation energies of the waste pyrolysis. However, different tendencies were found in case of different raw materials. Based on results, the La/Ni/ZSM-5 catalyst was further investigated using raw material: catalyst ratio of 2:1, 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 by both TG instrument and tubular furnace reactor at 500°C and 900°C. Mainly, the gas composition and the syngas yield were investigated. The lowest activation energy and the highest yield of the syngas (92.3 mmol/g raw material using pyrolysis-reforming 900°C) were found in case of raw material:catalyst ratio of 2:1.