Catalytic activity of char obtained from fast pyrolysis in esterification reactions

In this study different pathways for obtaining activated carbon with catalytical activity were analysed. Industrially fast pyrolysis is an efficient way of lignocellulosic biomass processing, since in this process various important high value chemicals are obtained. Biochar is obtained as the by-product in fast pyrolysis process from which activated carbon can be acquired with further chemical activation. Different methods for chemical activation of biochar were tested with the obtained activated charcoals being used as a catalyst in esterification reactions to evaluate their potential use as a heterogenic catalyst. Highest catalytical activity was observed when biochar was pre-treated with sulfuric acid at 80 °C for 24 hours. The obtained activated charcoal could be used as a catalyst for up to five times with no noticeable decrease in catalytic activity.