Comprehensive thermokinetic modelling and predictions of cellulose decomposition in isothermal, non-isothermal, and stepwise heating modes

The increasing significance of biomass in attaining ultimate sustainability in a multitude of vectors demands a deeper understanding of its underlying components. The pyrolytic breakdown of cellulose, a major biomass component, has been a subject of intense research since the 1950s, and despite significant research carried out and published thus far, the kinetics of cellulose degradation remains a source of debate. Herein, this work investigates the pyrolytic degradation of cellulose using Advanced Kinetics and Technology Solutions (AKTS) software. Kinetic parameters were computed using three methods, Friedman’s differential iso-conversional, FWO and ASTM-E698. The results indicate Ea values of 40-181, 68-166, and 152.1 kJ/mol, using Friedman’s, FWO and ASTM-E698 methods, respectively. Based on the results obtained via Friedman’s differential iso-conversional method, predictions under isothermal, non-isothermal and stepwise heating profiles are presented. The predictions revealed that rapid degradation takes place up to 80% conversion, and a temperature of 350-400°C is required to efficiently achieve this, while temperatures of 650°C and higher are needed to efficiently achieve a 100% conversion in less than 2 hours.