Total recovery of resources and energy from rice straw using microwave-induced pyrolysis

This article presents the application of microwave-induced pyrolysis to total recovery of resources and energy from rice straw. The microwave power and particle size of feedstock were both key parameters affecting the performance of microwave-induced pyrolysis. Under 400–500 W microwave power, the reduction of fixed carbon in the biomass was significant. From the experimental results of specific surface area, zeta potential, and Cu 2+ adsorption, the applications of solid residues in the water and wastewater treatment could be expected. The major compositions in gaseous product were H 2, CO 2, CO, CH 4 of 55, 17, 13, 10 vol.%, respectively. The high H 2 content might imply that microwave-induced pyrolysis of biomass waste has the potential to produce the H 2-rich fuel gas. Alkanes, polars, and low-ringed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were three primary kinds of compounds in the liquid product.