(661d) Characterization of Sulfur Profile and Fate Study of Loblolly Pine Using Pyrolysis-GC/MS-FPD

The sulfur compounds produced during thermochemical conversion are significant factors when selecting a biomass as a biofuel feedstock due to the deactivation of catalysts and equipment wear. Loblolly pine samples representing levels of high, medium, and low sulfur content were selected for analysis to determine the sulfur profile and fate. The biomass samples were hand fractionated into five categories: chips, bark, limbs, needles, and particulates. Analysis was conducted using a micro-pyrolysis unit attached to a gas chromatography mass spectrometer equipped with a flame photometric detector. Results provided both qualitative and quantitative information about the sulfur compounds produced during the pyrolysis of the loblolly pine samples at 550 °C and 900 °C. Additionally, model sulfur compounds, including both inorganic (sodium sulfide nonahydrate, and potassium bisulfate) and organic (L-methionine, cystine, 2-aminoethyl hydrogen sulfate) species were tested at the same pyrolysis conditions. This work provides insights and feedback for sulfur reduction strategies and the design of biorefinery systems.