Microwave pyrolysis of corn stalk bale: A promising method for direct utilization of large-sized biomass and syngas production

The microwave pyrolysis technology, which can overcome the disadvantages of conventional pyrolysis methods such as heating slow and necessity of feedstock shredding, has been used to pyrolyze the corn stalk bale. The experiments were carried out with respect to the time-resolved temperature distribution, mass loss and product properties. In order to get a deeper understanding, the traditional pyrolysis using electric heating method was also performed. The comparison results indicated that microwave pyrolysis had obvious advantages over electric heating pyrolysis, such as heating rapid and uniform, more valuable products obtained. The content of H2 attained the highest value of 35 vol.% and syngas (H2 and CO) was greater than 50 vol.%. Material properties, heat and mass transport mechanisms, as well as chemical reactions had significant influences on the microwave pyrolytic characteristics. Data and information obtained are useful for the design and operation of pyrolysis of large-sized biomass via microwave heating technology.