Thermochemical valorisation of cattle manure into gaseous fuel and furfural-rich bio-oil

Abstract

Surplus carbon, in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2), has aggravated global warming over several past decades. To divert the current energy mix that relies heavily on fossil fuels, researchers have realised waste materials as alternative energy. Such attempts could reduce CO2 emissions and potentially contribute to establishing a circular economy. This study investigated the transformation of cattle manure (CM) into value-added products (syngas and furfural) via a thermochemical pathway. The CM was treated with FeCl3 prior to pyrolysis to enhance the conversion selectivity toward syngas and furfural. Slow-pyrolysis was conducted to determine the mechanisms of syngas production, and fast-pyrolysis was undertaken to optimize bio-oil production. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that Fe impregnation facilitated the thermal degradation of CM, resulting in enhanced syngas formation. The oil product obtained from the Fe-impregnated CM exhibited notable enrichment in furfural and a much simpler chemical composition than that of the untreated CM. Furthermore, the produced biochar catalytically expedited the kinetics of the transesterification reaction of canola oil. The overall results of this study offer a practical means of converting livestock manure into useful resources, thereby contributing to the realisation of a circular economy.