Product distribution from catalytic conversion of biomass over B₂O₃/γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst

The catalytic conversion of biomass has been studied by using a conventional fixed-bed reactor. The mixed catalyst is prepared by impregnation method followed by calcination of the catalyst. The B₂O₃/γ-Al₂O3 catalyst composition used in the biomass catalytic conversion process is varied to study the effect on its product distribution. In addition, catalyst variations were performed to test the catalytic effect in producing the target products, so that the optimum catalyst composition to maximize the target products is known. The catalyst composition of B₂O₃ in the mixed catalyst used was 0%, 5%, 10%, 20%, and 25% wt. The use of B₂O₃/γ-Al₂O₃ mixed catalyst can convert the small oxygenate compounds produced at the thermal decomposition step of biomass into aromatic hydrocarbon compounds. In addition, other groups of compounds were also observed with different product distributions where the differences were affected by the composition of the mixed catalyst used. Experimental results show that addition of B₂O₃ content up to 20% wt gives the highest catalytic effect with the main product being aromatic hydrocarbons. The decrease in catalytic effect occurs with the addition of 25% wt B₂O₃ content.