Products distribution of catalytic co-pyrolysis of greenhouse vegetable wastes and coal

Synergic effect of greenhouse vegetable wastes (GVWs) and lignite coal was investigated with different feedstock particle sizes and pyrolysis temperatures by using natural catalysts (calcite, dolomite, and zeolite) in a laboratory scale fast pyrolysis experimental system. The yields of co-pyrolysis products (biochar, bio-oil, and gases) and bio-oil composition were used in revealing the synergic effects. The study results showed that a positive synergic effect in biochar yield but negative synergic effects in bio-oil and gas yields were observed. The mean respective yields of biochar, bio-oil, and gas of GVWs as wt% were 41.67, 40.05, 38.96 for calcite; 29.55, 30.79, 30.88 for dolomite; and 28.79, 29.16, 30.16 for zeolite. The mean respective yields of biochar, bio-oil, and gas of GVWs-coal blend as wt% were 55.93, 54.16, 53.87 for calcite; 21.73, 22.93, 23.24 for dolomite; and 22.34, 22.92, 22.90 for zeolite. Catalysts had no significant influences on the pyrolysis products yields of GVWs and GVWs-coal blend compared to the control. Similarly, no significant effects of catalysts on bio-oil composition were also observed. Feedstock particle size and pyrolysis temperature had little effect on the yields of products bio-oil compositions. •Synergic effect of greenhouse vegetable wastes (GVWs) and coal was investigated.•A positive synergic effect in biochar yield was observed.•Negative synergic effects were observed in bio-oil and gas yields.•Catalysts had no significant influences on the yields and bio-oil composition.