Preparation and Characterization of Enhanced Hierarchical Zn-Ni/HZSM-5 Catalysts for Potential use in Catalytic reactions to Upgrade Bio-Oil and Hydrogen from Biomass Pyrolysis

• Sulaiman Y. ADAMU

  Department of Chemical Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

  Author

• Fadimatu N. DABAI

  Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria

  Author

• Abdulazeez Y. ATTA

  Department of Chemical Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

  Author

• Baba Y. JIBRIL

  Department of Chemical Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

  Author

This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of hierarchical ZSM-5 and metal-doped hierarchical Zn-Ni/ZSM-5 catalysts to potentially improve the bio-oil and hydrogen production from biomass (rice husk) pyrolysis. Traditional zeolites, due to their microporous structure, often pose limitations in reactant accessibility, adversely affecting catalytic performance. To address these challenges, hierarchical zeolites incorporating mesoporosity were developed. The hierarchical ZSM-5 was synthesized via an alkaline desilication process, enhancing its mesoporous characteristics, with surface area increasing from 111 m²/g to 141 m²/g and average pore size expanding from 2 nm to 5 nm. Characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), confirmed the retention of the MFI-type zeolite framework post-modification. The findings indicate that the hierarchical structure has the potential to enhance mass transfer and reactant accessibility, making these catalysts promising candidates for the reforming of biomass pyrolysis products, which can lead to sustainable bio-oil and hydrogen production. This research provides a foundation for future optimization of catalyst performance and exploration of diverse biomass feedstocks, contributing to advancements in cleaner energy technologies.

• FJET_12_49_42

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