Potential of Potamogeton lucens macrophyte for generation of fuels and chemicals by pyrolysis

The study investigates pyrolysis potential of naturally dried macrophyte Potamogeton lucens for production of fuels and chemicals by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The kinetics of pyrolysis is studied under non-isothermal conditions in nitrogen atmosphere. The analysis of physiochemical properties viz. proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, heating value and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of Potamogeton lucens was suggestive of upgradation of weed before it could serve as a fuel. Three different heating rates viz. 5, 15 and 20 °C/min were used in pyrolysis. Pyrolysis mainly took place in the temperature range of 177-377 °C. Activation energy (E) and pre-exponential factors (A) were calculated using the iso-conversional method. The results showed that the decomposition process exhibited two zones of constant apparent activation energies. The values ranged from 8.36 to 300.38 KJ/mol in the conversion range of 5-85%. The order of magnitudes of E and A in pyrolysis were conducive for the weed to serve as potential feedstock in generation of fuels and chemicals.