Characterization of Coconut Shell Activated Carbon Catalyst for the Pyrolysis of Waste Sac Bags into Liquid Hydrocarbon Fuels

Abstract

Aim: The use of synthetic catalysts in pyrolysis of waste plastics into hydrocarbon fuels is the common practice, these synthetic/ commercial catalysts are not readily available in Nigeria. The aim of this research paper is to prepare and characterize and test the catalytic performance of a locally made catalyst for waste plastic to hydrocarbon fuel pyrolysis. Study Design: locally made catalyst was prepared from coconut shells, its elemental composition, structural morphology and pore properties investigated using appropriate instruments and methods. Place and Duration: The experiments were carried out at the Petroleum Development Laboratory, situated at the Gas Engineering building, University of Port-Harcourt Nigeria. It took about 18 months to complete this study. Methodology: Thermal and chemical activation methods were used to prepare the local catalyst from coconut shells. Scanning electron microscopy method was used to investigate the morphology and texture of the coconut shell activated carbon catalyst. Response Surface Method (RSM) in design expert software 12.0 was used to design the experiment, and investigate the effect of operating parameters on the response variable. Results: The assessment of coconut shell activated carbon shows it can be used as an alternate to synthetic catalysts. This is because more than 60 % fuel oil was recovered when it was used in the pyrolysis of waste sac bags Conclusion: Coconut shell activated carbon is effective in the conversion of waste sac bags high purity hydrocarbon fuels such as aviation kerosene.