Kinetic modeling of the catalytic effects of Na+ and K+ on the slow pyrolysis of hemicellulose

The main objective of this work is to extend the Bio-PoliMi hemicellulose sub-mechanism to predict the catalytic effects of Na+ and K+ on the slow pyrolysis of hemicellulose. To this end, a large existing experimental database of the effects of the presence of Na+ and K+ on the slow pyrolysis of hemicellulose is analyzed comparatively to the decomposition paths of the Bio-PoliMi hemicellulose sub-mechanism. In order to clarify the inhibition/promotion effects, a sensitivity analysis is performed. Based on the analysis of the experimental results and sensitivity analysis, two catalytic reactions are proposed to be incorporated in the Bio-PoliMi hemicellulose sub-mechanism to account for the effects of the alkali metals on the slow pyrolysis of hemicellulose.