Comparative evaluation of natural dolomite, kaolin, and zeolite in upgrading liquid fuel yield, properties and carbon balance on integrated two-step co-pyrolysis of mixed MSW and indonesian brown coal
摘要
An integrated two-step co-pyrolysis (ITSC) process was developed to valorize heterogeneous municipal solid waste (MC-MSW) co-processed with Indonesian brown coal (BC), employing unmodified natural mineral catalysts (kaolin, dolomite, zeolite) for vapor-phase upgrading to improve bio-oil properties. The MC-MSW: BC blend (4:1, w/w) underwent pyrolysis at 550 °C; resulting vapors (paraffins, olefins, aromatics) were catalytically upgraded and analyzed using GC–MS and standardized ASTM protocols (ASTM D445 for viscosity, ASTM D4052 for density, ASTM D92 for flash point, ASTM D5865 for calorific value). Kaolin produced the highest liquid yield (44.0 wt%), outperforming dolomite (36.0 wt%) and zeolite (32.4 wt%), while suppressing gas (9.0 ± 0.5 wt%) and char (47.0 ± 1.5 wt%) formation compared to non-catalytic runs. Dolomite selectively enriched gasoline-range C5–C12 hydrocarbons (up to 73.1%), whereas zeolite favored aromatic enrichment (65.5%) albeit with greater oxygenated residues. Kaolin promoted paraffinic fractions (28.0%) and eliminated acidic species, yielding liquids with high heating values (9,800–9,900 kcal/kg) and improved energy recovery (output/input ratio up to 5.3). Life-cycle carbon assessment, performed using SimaPro v9.0 with IPCC 2013 GWP 100a methodology, indicates up to 1.90 t CO₂-eq avoided per ton of MSW relative to landfilling or incineration. Collectively, the ITSC configuration coupled with low-cost natural catalysts offers a scalable, context-sensitive pathway for decentralized waste-to-fuel conversion: kaolin provides the most balanced performance for fuel-grade liquids, while dolomite and zeolite enable tailored routes toward fuel blending or chemical valorization for sustainable energy.
Graphical abstract